US Bridges

I-22 over Flat Branch

Fair

Walker County, Alabama · .5 MI W. East Lake RD · Structure no. 017774

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
22,592
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-22 over Flat Branch is a concrete culvert carrying I-22 over Flat Branch in Walker County, Alabama. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 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 22,592 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,783 by 2041. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long.

Location

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CarriesI-22
CrossesFlat Branch
Location.5 MI W. East Lake RD
RouteInterstate 22
CountyWalker County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.79093, -87.23085
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 inspectionAugust 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 rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length44 ft (13.4 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 traffic22,592 (2020)
Projected traffic25,783 by 2041
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$5.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-22 over Flat Branch built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-22 over Flat 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does I-22 over Flat Branch carry?

About 22,592 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is I-22 over Flat Branch?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns I-22 over Flat Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.