Cochrane–Africatown USA Bridge

The Cochrane-Africatown USA Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge crossing the Mobile River in Alabama. The structure uses steel cables anchored to two tall main piers to span the waterway below.

The bridge was completed in 1991, replacing an older vertical-lift bridge that had served the area for roughly 60 years. This new crossing eliminated a long detour that vehicles carrying hazardous materials had been required to make previously.

The bridge takes its name from the historic Africatown neighborhood, founded by people brought to the United States during the Civil War period. This naming choice honors the settlement's role in the region's past and its continued presence in the community today.

The bridge serves as an important transportation corridor for through traffic, especially for commercial trucks. Visitors should expect moderate to heavy traffic, particularly during peak hours, as the route accommodates essential vehicle movements across the river.

The bridge features a specialized cable-anchoring system that allows maintenance crews to inspect and repair the steel cables without closing the structure to traffic. This engineering approach keeps the bridge operational during routine maintenance work.