US Bridges

US 98 over Double Branch Relief

Fair

Mobile County, Alabama · 1.58 MI E Semmes · Structure no. 013742

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
30,164
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 98 over Double Branch Relief is a concrete culvert carrying US 98 over Double Branch Relief in Mobile County, Alabama. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 94 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 30,164 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 45,264 by 2043. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 98
CrossesDouble Branch Relief
Location1.58 MI E Semmes
RouteU.S. Route 98
CountyMobile County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.76948, -88.23524
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionJanuary 2025
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating87.7 US tons
Inventory rating52.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30,164 (2023)
Projected traffic45,264 by 2043
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 98 over Double Branch Relief built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is US 98 over Double Branch Relief 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does US 98 over Double Branch Relief carry?

About 30,164 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 98 over Double Branch Relief?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 98 over Double Branch Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.