US Bridges

Old HWY 43 over Denny Branch

PoorPosted for load

Mobile County, Alabama · 0.38 MI N Military RD · Structure no. 002689

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
30 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
345
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old HWY 43 over Denny Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Old HWY 43 over Denny Branch in Mobile County, Alabama. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 345 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 514 by 2043. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesOld HWY 43
CrossesDenny Branch
Location0.38 MI N Military RD
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMobile County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.09, -88.0117
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating12.5 US tons
Inventory rating9.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic345 (2023)
Projected traffic514 by 2043
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$262,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old HWY 43 over Denny Branch built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old HWY 43 over Denny Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does Old HWY 43 over Denny Branch carry?

About 345 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Old HWY 43 over Denny Branch?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Old HWY 43 over Denny Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.