US Bridges

SR 188 over West Fowl River

Fair

Mobile County, Alabama · 0.2 MI E CO RD 59 · Structure no. 009802

Built
1968
57 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
605 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,091
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 188 over West Fowl River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 188 over West Fowl River in Mobile County, Alabama. It was built in 1968, so it is 57 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 3,091 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,637 by 2043. The structure is 605 ft (184.4 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 188
CrossesWest Fowl River
Location0.2 MI E CO RD 59
RouteState Highway 188
CountyMobile County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.37684, -88.15886
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 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
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.8 US tons
Inventory rating29.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+16 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length605 ft (184.4 m)
Longest span61 ft (18.6 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.2 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,091 (2023)
Projected traffic4,637 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$4.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 188 over West Fowl River built?

It was built in 1968, making it 57 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 188 over West Fowl River 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does SR 188 over West Fowl River carry?

About 3,091 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is SR 188 over West Fowl River?

The structure is 605 ft (184.4 m) long with a longest span of 61 ft (18.6 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns SR 188 over West Fowl River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.