US Bridges

I-65 over Harpers Branch

Fair

Mobile County, Alabama · 1.3 MI N E US 43 · Structure no. 011351

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
35 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
24,245
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-65 over Harpers Branch is a concrete culvert carrying I-65 over Harpers Branch in Mobile County, Alabama. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 years old, younger 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 24,245 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,367 by 2042. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-65
CrossesHarpers Branch
Location1.3 MI N E US 43
RouteInterstate 65
CountyMobile County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.88597, -88.02967
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating60 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length35 ft (10.7 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 traffic24,245 (2022)
Projected traffic36,367 by 2042
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$2.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-65 over Harpers Branch built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-65 over Harpers 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does I-65 over Harpers Branch carry?

About 24,245 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is I-65 over Harpers Branch?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns I-65 over Harpers Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.