US Bridges

SR 59 over Rains Creek

Fair

Baldwin County, Alabama · 0.4 MI N I-65 · Structure no. 012034

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
239 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
2,050
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 59 over Rains Creek is a prestressed concrete channel beam carrying SR 59 over Rains Creek in Baldwin County, Alabama. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, younger 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 2,050 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,075 by 2043. The structure is 239 ft (72.8 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 59
CrossesRains Creek
Location0.4 MI N I-65
RouteState Highway 59
CountyBaldwin County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.95778, -87.82657
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44.6 US tons
Inventory rating26.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans7
Design loadHS 15
Structure length239 ft (72.8 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.6 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,050 (2023)
Projected traffic3,075 by 2043
Trucks4%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 59 over Rains Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 59 over Rains Creek 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 SR 59 over Rains Creek carry?

About 2,050 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is SR 59 over Rains Creek?

The structure is 239 ft (72.8 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SR 59 over Rains Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.