US Bridges

County Road 49 over Middle Fork Cowikeecreek

FairPosted for load

Barbour County, Alabama · 2.8 MI NE of US 82 · Structure no. 003259

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
84 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
270
2018 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 49 over Middle Fork Cowikeecreek is a concrete tee beam carrying County Road 49 over Middle Fork Cowikeecreek in Barbour 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 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 270 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 305 by 2038. The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 49
CrossesMiddle Fork Cowikeecreek
Location2.8 MI NE of US 82
RouteCounty Highway 49
CountyBarbour County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.09853, -85.31772
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating28.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length84 ft (25.6 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic270 (2018)
Projected traffic305 by 2038
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$678,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 49 over Middle Fork Cowikeecreek built?

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

What condition is County Road 49 over Middle Fork Cowikeecreek 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 49 over Middle Fork Cowikeecreek carry?

About 270 vehicles per day (2018 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is County Road 49 over Middle Fork Cowikeecreek?

The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 49 over Middle Fork Cowikeecreek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.