US Bridges

Beach Express over Branch Off Portage Creek

Fair

Baldwin County, Alabama · O.5 Mi. N. of Co. Rd. 4 · Structure no. 017926

Built
2000
25 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
16,147
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Beach Express over Branch Off Portage Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Beach Express over Branch Off Portage Creek in Baldwin County, Alabama. It was built in 2000, so it is 25 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 16,147 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,220 by 2043. The structure is 24 ft (7.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBeach Express
CrossesBranch Off Portage Creek
LocationO.5 Mi. N. of Co. Rd. 4
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyBaldwin County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.30374, -87.63708
Functional classRural Minor 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60.2 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.2 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,147 (2023)
Projected traffic24,220 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Beach Express over Branch Off Portage Creek built?

It was built in 2000, making it 25 years old in 2025.

What condition is Beach Express over Branch Off Portage 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Beach Express over Branch Off Portage Creek carry?

About 16,147 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Beach Express over Branch Off Portage Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.2 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m).

Who owns Beach Express over Branch Off Portage Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.