US Bridges

Al 21 over Branch

Fair

Talladega County, Alabama · 3.2 MI S JCT SR 76 · Structure no. 001763

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,497
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 21 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Al 21 over Branch in Talladega County, Alabama. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 7,497 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,495 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesAl 21
CrossesBranch
Location3.2 MI S JCT SR 76
RouteState Highway 21
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.27733, -86.20883
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.3 US tons
Inventory rating45.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.2 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,497 (2022)
Projected traffic10,495 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$482,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 21 over Branch built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al 21 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Al 21 over Branch carry?

About 7,497 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Al 21 over Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.2 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m).

Who owns Al 21 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.