US Bridges

Co. Hwy. 71 over Kates Branch

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · 0.64 Mi. South CR 46 · Structure no. 008032

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
848
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Hwy. 71 over Kates Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Co. Hwy. 71 over Kates Branch in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 5 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 848 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,057 by 2043. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesCo. Hwy. 71
CrossesKates Branch
Location0.64 Mi. South CR 46
RouteCounty Highway 71
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.07816, -86.53403
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating71.2 US tons
Inventory rating42.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length25 ft (7.6 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 traffic848 (2023)
Projected traffic2,057 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$285,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Hwy. 71 over Kates Branch built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. Hwy. 71 over Kates 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Co. Hwy. 71 over Kates Branch carry?

About 848 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Co. Hwy. 71 over Kates Branch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns Co. Hwy. 71 over Kates Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.