US Bridges

I-65 over Hells Swamp Creek

Fair

Mobile County, Alabama · 1.1 MI N Celeste Road · Structure no. 009272

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
88 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
36,619
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-65 over Hells Swamp Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I-65 over Hells Swamp Creek in Mobile County, Alabama. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 36,619 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 54,929 by 2042. The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesI-65
CrossesHells Swamp Creek
Location1.1 MI N Celeste Road
RouteInterstate 65
CountyMobile County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.84227, -88.07935
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 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 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Operating rating60 US tons
Inventory rating36.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length88 ft (26.8 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 traffic36,619 (2022)
Projected traffic54,929 by 2042
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure4
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$5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-65 over Hells Swamp Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-65 over Hells Swamp 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does I-65 over Hells Swamp Creek carry?

About 36,619 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I-65 over Hells Swamp Creek?

The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns I-65 over Hells Swamp Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.