US Bridges

SR 21 over Branch

Fair

Wilcox County, Alabama · 1.8 Mi. N. of Oak Hill · Structure no. 002687

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
20 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
550
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 1942, so it is 83 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 5 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 550 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 686 by 2033. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 21
CrossesBranch
Location1.8 Mi. N. of Oak Hill
RouteState Highway 21
CountyWilcox County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.94713, -87.07016
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 10
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic550 (2013)
Projected traffic686 by 2033
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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$487,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 21 over Branch built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 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 550 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is SR 21 over Branch?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m).

Who owns SR 21 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.