US Bridges

US 98 over Eslava Branch

Fair

Baldwin County, Alabama · 0.9 MI E CO 9 · Structure no. 014585

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
123 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
9,863
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 98 over Eslava Branch is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 98 over Eslava Branch in Baldwin County, Alabama. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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. Its operating status is: open, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring.

It carries about 9,863 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,795 by 2043. The structure is 123 ft (37.5 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 98
CrossesEslava Branch
Location0.9 MI E CO 9
RouteU.S. Route 98
CountyBaldwin County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.40647, -87.79613
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length123 ft (37.5 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,863 (2023)
Projected traffic14,795 by 2043
Trucks2%
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$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 98 over Eslava Branch built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 98 over Eslava Branch 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 Eslava Branch carry?

About 9,863 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is US 98 over Eslava Branch?

The structure is 123 ft (37.5 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 98 over Eslava Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.