US Bridges

SR 21 over Branch

Fair

Talladega County, Alabama · 0.6 MI N JCT CO 96 · Structure no. 002681

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
9,233
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 21 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 21 over Branch in Talladega County, Alabama. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 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 9,233 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,926 by 2042. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesSR 21
CrossesBranch
Location0.6 MI N JCT CO 96
RouteState Highway 21
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.49939, -86.00731
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 inspectionJuly 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 rating90.1 US tons
Inventory rating54.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,233 (2022)
Projected traffic12,926 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$481,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 21 over Branch built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does SR 21 over Branch carry?

About 9,233 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR 21 over Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR 21 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.