US Bridges

US 45 over Chunchula Branch

Fair

Mobile County, Alabama · 1.7 MI N CO RD 63 · Structure no. 000901

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,790
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 45 over Chunchula Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 45 over Chunchula 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 3,790 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,085 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 45
CrossesChunchula Branch
Location1.7 MI N CO RD 63
RouteU.S. Route 45
CountyMobile County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.94214, -88.21521
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 rating68.5 US tons
Inventory rating46.1 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 traffic3,790 (2023)
Projected traffic11,085 by 2043
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 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)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 45 over Chunchula Branch built?

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

What condition is US 45 over Chunchula 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 Chunchula Branch carry?

About 3,790 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 45 over Chunchula Branch?

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

Who owns US 45 over Chunchula Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.