US Bridges

US 45 over Mill Branch

Fair

Mobile County, Alabama · 0.5 MI N CO RD 92 · Structure no. 009209

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1967
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,497
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 45 over Mill Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 45 over Mill Branch in Mobile County, Alabama. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1967, 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 6 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 7,497 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,245 by 2043. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 45
CrossesMill Branch
Location0.5 MI N CO RD 92
RouteU.S. Route 45
CountyMobile County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.00403, -88.23465
Functional classRural Minor 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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 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 traffic7,497 (2023)
Projected traffic11,245 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 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$966,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 45 over Mill Branch built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1967.

What condition is US 45 over Mill 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 45 over Mill Branch carry?

About 7,497 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 45 over Mill Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 45 over Mill Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.