US Bridges

US 98 over Clear Creek

Fair

Mobile County, Alabama · 4.5 MI W I-65 · Structure no. 013791

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
74 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
22,741
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 98 over Clear Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 98 over Clear Creek in Mobile County, Alabama. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 1986, so it is 69 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 22,741 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,112 by 2043. The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 98
CrossesClear Creek
Location4.5 MI W I-65
RouteU.S. Route 98
CountyMobile County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.74385, -88.18042
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating47.1 US tons
Inventory rating28.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length74 ft (22.6 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,741 (2023)
Projected traffic34,112 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$2.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 98 over Clear Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is US 98 over Clear Creek 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 98 over Clear Creek carry?

About 22,741 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 98 over Clear Creek?

The structure is 74 ft (22.6 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns US 98 over Clear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.