US Bridges

Cottage Hill Road over Spencer Branch

Fair

Mobile County, Alabama · 500 E East Road · Structure no. 011432

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
100 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
26,627
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cottage Hill Road over Spencer Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Cottage Hill Road over Spencer 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 26,627 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 39,940 by 2043. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCottage Hill Road
CrossesSpencer Branch
Location500 E East Road
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMobile County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.64608, -88.1678
Functional classUrban 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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
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 rating92.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26,627 (2023)
Projected traffic39,940 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$2.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cottage Hill Road over Spencer Branch built?

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

What condition is Cottage Hill Road over Spencer 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 Cottage Hill Road over Spencer Branch carry?

About 26,627 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Cottage Hill Road over Spencer Branch?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns Cottage Hill Road over Spencer Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.