US Bridges

Foley Beach Expres over Intracoastal Canal

Fair

Baldwin County, Alabama · 4.8 Mi. East HWY 59 · Structure no. 017939

Built
2000
25 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,860 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
16,097
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Foley Beach Expres over Intracoastal Canal is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Foley Beach Expres over Intracoastal Canal 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 16,097 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,145 by 2043. The structure is 1,860 ft (566.9 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesFoley Beach Expres
CrossesIntracoastal Canal
Location4.8 Mi. East HWY 59
CountyBaldwin County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.29623, -87.63256
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating36.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+8 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,860 ft (566.9 m)
Longest span300 ft (91.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,097 (2023)
Projected traffic24,145 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollToll bridge
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$18 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Foley Beach Expres over Intracoastal Canal built?

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

What condition is Foley Beach Expres over Intracoastal Canal 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 Foley Beach Expres over Intracoastal Canal carry?

About 16,097 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Foley Beach Expres over Intracoastal Canal?

The structure is 1,860 ft (566.9 m) long with a longest span of 300 ft (91.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Foley Beach Expres over Intracoastal Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.