US Bridges

US 45 over Crystal Springs Branch

Fair

Mobile County, Alabama · 1 MI N SR 213 · Structure no. 007206

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1961
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,069
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 45 over Crystal Springs Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 45 over Crystal Springs Branch in Mobile County, Alabama. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1961, 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 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 3,069 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,604 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 45
CrossesCrystal Springs Branch
Location1 MI N SR 213
RouteU.S. Route 45
CountyMobile County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.77353, -88.13806
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.
Culvert5 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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.8 US tons
Inventory rating29.9 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 traffic3,069 (2023)
Projected traffic4,604 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$305,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 45 over Crystal Springs Branch built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1961.

What condition is US 45 over Crystal Springs 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 Crystal Springs Branch carry?

About 3,069 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 45 over Crystal Springs Branch?

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

Who owns US 45 over Crystal Springs Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.