US Bridges

US 98 over Perdido Bay

Fair

Baldwin County, Alabama · Ala/Fla Line · Structure no. 012386

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
1,890 ft
25 main spans
Daily traffic
14,209
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 98 over Perdido Bay is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 98 over Perdido Bay in Baldwin County, Alabama. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 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 14,209 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,314 by 2041. The structure is 1,890 ft (576.1 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 72.1 mi (116 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 98
CrossesPerdido Bay
LocationAla/Fla Line
RouteU.S. Route 98
CountyBaldwin County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.40794, -87.43625
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating64.7 US tons
Inventory rating27.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans25
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,890 ft (576.1 m)
Longest span105 ft (32 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,209 (2021)
Projected traffic21,314 by 2041
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed72.1 mi (116 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$18.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 98 over Perdido Bay built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 98 over Perdido Bay 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does US 98 over Perdido Bay carry?

About 14,209 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is US 98 over Perdido Bay?

The structure is 1,890 ft (576.1 m) long with a longest span of 105 ft (32 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 98 over Perdido Bay?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.