US Bridges

Al. 181 over Water Hole Branch

Good

Baldwin County, Alabama · 1.8 Mi. N. of U. S. 98 · Structure no. 015007

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
62 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,371
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al. 181 over Water Hole Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Al. 181 over Water Hole Branch in Baldwin County, Alabama. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 5,371 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,057 by 2042. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesAl. 181
CrossesWater Hole Branch
Location1.8 Mi. N. of U. S. 98
RouteState Highway 181
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.44561, -87.85243
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.7 US tons
Inventory rating34.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 10
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,371 (2022)
Projected traffic8,057 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al. 181 over Water Hole Branch built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al. 181 over Water Hole Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.

How much traffic does Al. 181 over Water Hole Branch carry?

About 5,371 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Al. 181 over Water Hole Branch?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m).

Who owns Al. 181 over Water Hole Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.