US Bridges

US 45 over Silver Creek Relief

Fair

Mobile County, Alabama · 2.8 MI N CO RD 55 · Structure no. 015498

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,147
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 45 over Silver Creek Relief is a concrete culvert carrying US 45 over Silver Creek Relief in Mobile County, Alabama. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1992, 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 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 8,147 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,220 by 2043. The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 34.2 mi (55 km).

CarriesUS 45
CrossesSilver Creek Relief
Location2.8 MI N CO RD 55
RouteU.S. Route 45
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.87856, -88.19801
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
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 rating85.1 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.5 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,147 (2023)
Projected traffic12,220 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed34.2 mi (55 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$487,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 45 over Silver Creek Relief built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is US 45 over Silver Creek 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 45 over Silver Creek Relief carry?

About 8,147 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 45 over Silver Creek Relief?

The structure is 31 ft (9.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns US 45 over Silver Creek Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.