US Bridges

Al - 70 over Branch

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · 0 . 5 MI E JCT US 31 · Structure no. 009136

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
64 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
10,680
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 70 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Al - 70 over Branch in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 10,680 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,032 by 2041. The structure is 64 ft (19.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesAl - 70
CrossesBranch
Location0 . 5 MI E JCT US 31
RouteState Highway 70
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.15663, -86.7423
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating41.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length64 ft (19.4 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 traffic10,680 (2021)
Projected traffic13,032 by 2041
Trucks4%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$543,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 70 over Branch built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 70 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Al - 70 over Branch carry?

About 10,680 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Al - 70 over Branch?

The structure is 64 ft (19.4 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns Al - 70 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.