US Bridges

SR 56 over Branch

Fair

Washington County, Alabama · 6.1 Mi. E. of Chatom · Structure no. 000669

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,930
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 56 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 56 over Branch in Washington County, Alabama. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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 1,930 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,465 by 2033. The structure is 27 ft (8.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.2 mi (47 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 56
CrossesBranch
Location6.1 Mi. E. of Chatom
RouteState Highway 56
CountyWashington County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.44285, -88.1592
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating96.2 US tons
Inventory rating57.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length27 ft (8.1 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,930 (2013)
Projected traffic2,465 by 2033
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.2 mi (47 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$298,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 56 over Branch built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 56 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does SR 56 over Branch carry?

About 1,930 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is SR 56 over Branch?

The structure is 27 ft (8.1 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

Who owns SR 56 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.