US Bridges

US 43 SB over Cold Creek

Fair

Mobile County, Alabama · 0.5 MI N CO RD 84 · Structure no. 005856

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
78 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,582
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 43 SB over Cold Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 43 SB over Cold Creek 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 15,582 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,373 by 2043. The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 43 SB
CrossesCold Creek
Location0.5 MI N CO RD 84
RouteU.S. Route 43
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.97614, -88.02707
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.7 US tons
Inventory rating26.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length78 ft (23.8 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,582 (2023)
Projected traffic23,373 by 2043
Trucks13%
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$779,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 43 SB over Cold Creek built?

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

What condition is US 43 SB over Cold Creek 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 Cold Creek carry?

About 15,582 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US 43 SB over Cold Creek?

The structure is 78 ft (23.8 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns US 43 SB over Cold Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.