US Bridges

SR 21 over Branch

Fair

Wilcox County, Alabama · 3.3 Mi.N.Of Mcwilliams · Structure no. 002563

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
680
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 1941, so it is 84 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 680 vehicles a day, roughly 33% of them trucks, projected to reach 848 by 2033. The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 21
CrossesBranch
Location3.3 Mi.N.Of Mcwilliams
RouteState Highway 21
CountyWilcox County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.87443, -87.10141
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 inspectionOctober 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 rating92.9 US tons
Inventory rating55.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length22 ft (6.8 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 traffic680 (2013)
Projected traffic848 by 2033
Trucks33%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$441,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 21 over Branch built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does SR 21 over Branch carry?

About 680 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 33% are trucks.

How long is SR 21 over Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.8 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.