US Bridges

Baratara Drive over Bayou Baratara

Fair

Mobile County, Alabama · 0.37 MI N Alpine ST · Structure no. 012285

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
74 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
160
2022 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Baratara Drive over Bayou Baratara is a concrete channel beam carrying Baratara Drive over Bayou Baratara in Mobile County, Alabama. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 65 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 160 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 250 by 2042. The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBaratara Drive
CrossesBayou Baratara
Location0.37 MI N Alpine ST
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMobile County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.78137, -88.08693
Functional classUrban Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.8 US tons
Inventory rating35.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length74 ft (22.6 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.9 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic160 (2022)
Projected traffic250 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.2 mi (158 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$881,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Baratara Drive over Bayou Baratara built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is Baratara Drive over Bayou Baratara 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 2023.

How much traffic does Baratara Drive over Bayou Baratara carry?

About 160 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Baratara Drive over Bayou Baratara?

The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns Baratara Drive over Bayou Baratara?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.