US Bridges

I-65 over Gum Tree Branch

Fair

Mobile County, Alabama · 1.3 MI N SR 17 · Structure no. 008579

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
50 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
69,046
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-65 over Gum Tree Branch is a concrete culvert carrying I-65 over Gum Tree Branch in Mobile County, Alabama. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 69,046 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 103,569 by 2042. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-65
CrossesGum Tree Branch
Location1.3 MI N SR 17
RouteInterstate 65
CountyMobile County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.75536, -88.09349
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.6 US tons
Inventory rating40.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic69,046 (2022)
Projected traffic103,569 by 2042
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate 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$2.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-65 over Gum Tree Branch built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-65 over Gum Tree 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does I-65 over Gum Tree Branch carry?

About 69,046 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is I-65 over Gum Tree Branch?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns I-65 over Gum Tree Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.