US Bridges

University Blvd over Drainage Ditch

Fair

Mobile County, Alabama · 1.20 Mi. N. Old Shell RD · Structure no. 015432

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
Daily traffic
19,015
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

University Blvd over Drainage Ditch is a concrete culvert carrying University Blvd over Drainage Ditch in Mobile County, Alabama. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 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 19,015 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,522 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 102 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUniversity Blvd
CrossesDrainage Ditch
Location1.20 Mi. N. Old Shell RD
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMobile County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.70673, -88.17399
Functional classUrban Collector

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 inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating76.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans0
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width102 ft (31 m)
Roadway width65 ft (19.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,015 (2023)
Projected traffic28,522 by 2043
Trucks2%
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$809,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was University Blvd over Drainage Ditch built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is University Blvd over Drainage Ditch 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does University Blvd over Drainage Ditch carry?

About 19,015 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is University Blvd over Drainage Ditch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 102 ft wide.

Who owns University Blvd over Drainage Ditch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.