US Bridges

SR 163 over Saltwater Branch

Fair

Mobile County, Alabama · 0.3 MI S I-10 · Structure no. 008890

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
34 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
27,141
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 163 over Saltwater Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying SR 163 over Saltwater 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 27,141 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 40,712 by 2042. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 163
CrossesSaltwater Branch
Location0.3 MI S I-10
RouteState Highway 163
CountyMobile County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.63673, -88.08908
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 inspectionNovember 2023
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating80.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length34 ft (10.4 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 traffic27,141 (2022)
Projected traffic40,712 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$4.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 163 over Saltwater Branch built?

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

What condition is SR 163 over Saltwater 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does SR 163 over Saltwater Branch carry?

About 27,141 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is SR 163 over Saltwater Branch?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR 163 over Saltwater Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.