US Bridges

US 45 over Escatawpa River

Fair

Washington County, Alabama · 1.6MI. S. of Fruitdale · Structure no. 003282

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
714 ft
21 main spans
Daily traffic
2,280
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 45 over Escatawpa River is a concrete tee beam carrying US 45 over Escatawpa River in Washington County, Alabama. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 5 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 2,280 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,083 by 2033. The structure is 714 ft (217.6 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 45
CrossesEscatawpa River
Location1.6MI. S. of Fruitdale
RouteU.S. Route 45
CountyWashington County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.3266, -88.3901
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.9 US tons
Inventory rating33 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans21
Design loadH 20
Structure length714 ft (217.6 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,280 (2013)
Projected traffic3,083 by 2033
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$4.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 45 over Escatawpa River built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 45 over Escatawpa River 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 45 over Escatawpa River carry?

About 2,280 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is US 45 over Escatawpa River?

The structure is 714 ft (217.6 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns US 45 over Escatawpa River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.