US Bridges

SR 21 over Branch

Fair

Wilcox County, Alabama · 2.6 Mi.N.Of Furman · Structure no. 001968

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
900
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 21 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 21 over Branch in Wilcox County, Alabama. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 900 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,122 by 2033. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 21
CrossesBranch
Location2.6 Mi.N.Of Furman
RouteState Highway 21
CountyWilcox County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.9953, -86.92973
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionNovember 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 rating62.5 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 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 traffic900 (2013)
Projected traffic1,122 by 2033
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$248,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 21 over Branch built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does SR 21 over Branch carry?

About 900 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SR 21 over Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 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.