US Bridges

Howells Ferry RD over Flat Creek

Fair

Mobile County, Alabama · 1 MI E Ms Line · Structure no. 016505

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
41 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,037
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Howells Ferry RD over Flat Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Howells Ferry RD over Flat Creek in Mobile County, Alabama. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 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 1,037 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,541 by 2044. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHowells Ferry RD
CrossesFlat Creek
Location1 MI E Ms Line
RouteCounty Highway 76
CountyMobile County
StateAlabama
Coordinates30.778, -88.40269
Functional classRural 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 inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating78.7 US tons
Inventory rating47.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,037 (2024)
Projected traffic1,541 by 2044
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.2 mi (158 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$538,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Howells Ferry RD over Flat Creek built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is Howells Ferry RD over Flat 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Howells Ferry RD over Flat Creek carry?

About 1,037 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Howells Ferry RD over Flat Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns Howells Ferry RD over Flat Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.