US Bridges

Co.Rd. 87 over Blackwater River

Fair

Baldwin County, Alabama · 2.6 Mi. N. of Co. Rd. 32 · Structure no. 014259

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
375 ft
11 main spans
Daily traffic
1,278
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co.Rd. 87 over Blackwater River is a concrete channel beam carrying Co.Rd. 87 over Blackwater River 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 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 1,278 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,273 by 2043. The structure is 375 ft (114.3 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCo.Rd. 87
CrossesBlackwater River
Location2.6 Mi. N. of Co. Rd. 32
RouteCounty Highway 87
CountyBaldwin County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.51093, -87.58168
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
Deck geometry5: 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 rating50 US tons
Inventory rating37 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans11
Design loadHS 20
Structure length375 ft (114.3 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,278 (2023)
Projected traffic2,273 by 2043
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$2.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co.Rd. 87 over Blackwater River built?

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

What condition is Co.Rd. 87 over Blackwater River 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 Co.Rd. 87 over Blackwater River carry?

About 1,278 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Co.Rd. 87 over Blackwater River?

The structure is 375 ft (114.3 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Co.Rd. 87 over Blackwater River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.