US Bridges

US 31 over Branch MP 251.40

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · . 4 MI No JCT CO RD 26 · Structure no. 005783

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
37 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,185
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 31 over Branch MP 251.40 is a concrete culvert carrying US 31 over Branch MP 251.40 in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 11,185 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,368 by 2043. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 31
CrossesBranch MP 251.40
Location. 4 MI No JCT CO RD 26
RouteU.S. Route 31
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.21359, -86.78746
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating82.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,185 (2023)
Projected traffic14,368 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$596,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 31 over Branch MP 251.40 built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 31 over Branch MP 251.40 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does US 31 over Branch MP 251.40 carry?

About 11,185 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 31 over Branch MP 251.40?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US 31 over Branch MP 251.40?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.