US Bridges

I-20 over Branch

Fair

Talladega County, Alabama · 5.4 MI E JCT SR 77 · Structure no. 008543

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
42 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
44,364
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-20 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying I-20 over Branch in Talladega County, Alabama. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 44,364 vehicles a day, roughly 38% of them trucks, projected to reach 62,109 by 2041. The structure is 42 ft (12.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-20
CrossesBranch
Location5.4 MI E JCT SR 77
RouteInterstate 20
CountyTalladega County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.58306, -86.01806
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.2 US tons
Inventory rating35.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length42 ft (12.7 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 traffic44,364 (2021)
Projected traffic62,109 by 2041
Trucks38%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$1.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-20 over Branch built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-20 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 I-20 over Branch carry?

About 44,364 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 38% are trucks.

How long is I-20 over Branch?

The structure is 42 ft (12.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns I-20 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.