US Bridges

US 43 over Branch

Fair

Washington County, Alabama · 2.0 Mi. N. of Wagarville · Structure no. 002295

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
40 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
8,240
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 43 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 43 over Branch in Washington County, Alabama. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 8,240 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,585 by 2033. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

CarriesUS 43
CrossesBranch
Location2.0 Mi. N. of Wagarville
RouteU.S. Route 43
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.46813, -88.02809
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 rating98 US tons
Inventory rating68.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,240 (2013)
Projected traffic10,585 by 2033
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$2.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 43 over Branch built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 43 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 US 43 over Branch carry?

About 8,240 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 43 over Branch?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns US 43 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.