US Bridges

US 98 over Branch to Eslava

Fair

Baldwin County, Alabama · 1 MI E CO 9 · Structure no. 000662

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
9,863
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 98 over Branch to Eslava is a steel culvert carrying US 98 over Branch to Eslava in Baldwin 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 9,863 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,797 by 2043. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 98
CrossesBranch to Eslava
Location1 MI E CO 9
RouteU.S. Route 98
CountyBaldwin County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.40649, -87.79356
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
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 rating77.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
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 traffic9,863 (2023)
Projected traffic14,797 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$612,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 98 over Branch to Eslava built?

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

What condition is US 98 over Branch to Eslava 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 2024.

How much traffic does US 98 over Branch to Eslava carry?

About 9,863 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US 98 over Branch to Eslava?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 98 over Branch to Eslava?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.