US Bridges

University Blvd over Branch

Fair

Mobile County, Alabama · 0.2 MI N Zeigler Blvd · Structure no. 016421

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
41 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
18,163
2023 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

University Blvd over Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying University Blvd over Branch in Mobile County, Alabama. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 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 18,163 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,245 by 2043. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUniversity Blvd
CrossesBranch
Location0.2 MI N Zeigler Blvd
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMobile County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.71629, -88.16542
Functional classUrban Local

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 inspectionSeptember 2023
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating93.9 US tons
Inventory rating56.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.5 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 traffic18,163 (2023)
Projected traffic27,245 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 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 University Blvd over Branch built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is University Blvd over Branch 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does University Blvd over Branch carry?

About 18,163 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is University Blvd over Branch?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns University Blvd over Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.