US Bridges

I - 65 over Branch

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · 0.9 MI N Chilton CO LN · Structure no. 006483

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
39 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
38,990
2025 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 65 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying I - 65 over Branch in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 38,990 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 49,398 by 2045. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI - 65
CrossesBranch
Location0.9 MI N Chilton CO LN
RouteInterstate 65
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.08111, -86.73472
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length39 ft (11.9 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 traffic38,990 (2025)
Projected traffic49,398 by 2045
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$2.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 65 over Branch built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is I - 65 over Branch 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does I - 65 over Branch carry?

About 38,990 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is I - 65 over Branch?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns I - 65 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.