US Bridges

I - 65 North over Branch

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · 2 MI N US 31 · Structure no. 011355

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
38,920
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I - 65 North over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying I - 65 North over Branch in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 years old, younger 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 38,920 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 49,309 by 2044. The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI - 65 North
CrossesBranch
Location2 MI N US 31
RouteInterstate 65
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.25444, -86.79861
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating83.2 US tons
Inventory rating49.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.3 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic38,920 (2024)
Projected traffic49,309 by 2044
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$1.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I - 65 North over Branch built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is I - 65 North 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does I - 65 North over Branch carry?

About 38,920 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is I - 65 North over Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns I - 65 North over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.