US Bridges

US 43 SB over Bayou Sara

Fair

Mobile County, Alabama · JCT SR 213 · Structure no. 005851

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
180 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
9,749
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 43 SB over Bayou Sara is a concrete tee beam carrying US 43 SB over Bayou Sara in Mobile County, Alabama. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 5 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 9,749 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,674 by 2043. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 43 SB
CrossesBayou Sara
LocationJCT SR 213
RouteU.S. Route 43
CountyMobile County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.82485, -88.06988
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating46.3 US tons
Inventory rating27.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,749 (2023)
Projected traffic12,674 by 2043
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$1.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 43 SB over Bayou Sara built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 43 SB over Bayou Sara 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 43 SB over Bayou Sara carry?

About 9,749 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US 43 SB over Bayou Sara?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US 43 SB over Bayou Sara?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.