Highway 168 Bridge Near Bratt Closed After Failed Inspection: NorthEscambia.com

A northern Escambia bridge was abruptly closed Wednesday afternoon after failing a state inspection.

The Highway 168 bridge on Hobbs Branch, about three-quarters of a mile east of Pine Barren Road near Bratt, is expected to be closed for at least 30 days for repairs, according to Escambia County officials.

The small wooden bridge with a concrete deck was built in 1965.

When NorthEscambia.com photographed the bridge Wednesday afternoon, it was evident that at least one wooden support was extremely deteriorated and almost completely broken in two.

For more photos, click here.

Highway 168 and the bridge have been a vital link between Bratt and Century since the 81-year-old Highway 4 bridge over Canoe Creek closed in July 2023. The new Highway 4 bridge is currently estimated to reopen in late July. While not the “official” detour, many local residents use Highway 168 as a detour for Highway 4.

Now, Bratt Road Bratt in Byrneville is the detour for Highway 4 and Highway 168. Highway 168 drivers will also use Pine Barren Road to the west and Raines Road to the east to reach Bratt Road.

On Wednesday night, just hours after the Highway 168 bridge was closed, a driver missed a sharp turn on the Bratt Road detour and plunged into a deep ravine.

In 2021, the average daily traffic on the Route 168 bridge was 550 vehicles. However, traffic is likely much higher now that the Route 4 bridge is closed for replacement.

NorthEscambia.com will follow the repair process and publish future articles.

Pictured: The Highway 168 bridge over Hobbs Branch Wednesday afternoon. Photos by NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.