US Bridges

Beach Express over Blackwater River

Good

Baldwin County, Alabama · 4.9 M. N. of CR 32 · Structure no. 020019

Built
2014
11 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
1,500 ft
14 main spans
Daily traffic
3,825
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Beach Express over Blackwater River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Beach Express over Blackwater River in Baldwin County, Alabama. It was built in 2014, so it is 11 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 3,825 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,801 by 2043. The structure is 1,500 ft (457.2 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBeach Express
CrossesBlackwater River
Location4.9 M. N. of CR 32
RouteCounty Highway 83
CountyBaldwin County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.55794, -87.66606
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating87.3 US tons
Inventory rating51.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans14
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,500 ft (457.2 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,825 (2023)
Projected traffic6,801 by 2043
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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$14.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Beach Express over Blackwater River built?

It was built in 2014, making it 11 years old in 2025.

What condition is Beach Express over Blackwater River 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Beach Express over Blackwater River carry?

About 3,825 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Beach Express over Blackwater River?

The structure is 1,500 ft (457.2 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Beach Express over Blackwater River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.