US Bridges

US 98 over Sandy Creek

Fair

Baldwin County, Alabama · 3.2 MI E SR 59 · Structure no. 014234

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
134 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
13,224
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 98 over Sandy Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 98 over Sandy Creek in Baldwin County, Alabama. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 13,224 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,836 by 2043. The structure is 134 ft (40.8 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 98
CrossesSandy Creek
Location3.2 MI E SR 59
RouteU.S. Route 98
CountyBaldwin County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.40686, -87.63045
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.1 US tons
Inventory rating37.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length134 ft (40.8 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,224 (2023)
Projected traffic19,836 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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$1.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 98 over Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 98 over Sandy 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does US 98 over Sandy Creek carry?

About 13,224 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 98 over Sandy Creek?

The structure is 134 ft (40.8 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 98 over Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.