US Bridges

US 45 over Hurricane Branch

Fair

Mobile County, Alabama · 0.6 MI S CO RD 63 · Structure no. 000900

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
8,288
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 45 over Hurricane Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 45 over Hurricane Branch in Mobile County, Alabama. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 years old, older 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 8,288 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,432 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.2 mi (55 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 45
CrossesHurricane Branch
Location0.6 MI S CO RD 63
RouteU.S. Route 45
CountyMobile County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.91308, -88.19975
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating83.1 US tons
Inventory rating49.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,288 (2023)
Projected traffic12,432 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.2 mi (55 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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$288,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 45 over Hurricane Branch built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 45 over Hurricane 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 45 over Hurricane Branch carry?

About 8,288 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 45 over Hurricane Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 45 over Hurricane Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.