US Bridges

US 45 over Sweetwater Creek

Fair

Mobile County, Alabama · 3.5 MI N CO RD 63 · Structure no. 015436

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
61 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,480
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 45 over Sweetwater Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 45 over Sweetwater Creek 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 7,480 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,220 by 2043. The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 45
CrossesSweetwater Creek
Location3.5 MI N CO RD 63
RouteU.S. Route 45
CountyMobile County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.96263, -88.23566
Functional classRural 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 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
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating73.1 US tons
Inventory rating43.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length61 ft (18.6 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.4 m)
Roadway width46 ft (14 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,480 (2023)
Projected traffic11,220 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$1.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 45 over Sweetwater Creek built?

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

What condition is US 45 over Sweetwater 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 45 over Sweetwater Creek carry?

About 7,480 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 45 over Sweetwater Creek?

The structure is 61 ft (18.6 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns US 45 over Sweetwater Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.