US Bridges

Red Road 55 over Cottaquilla Creek

Fair

Calhoun County, Alabama · White Plains · Structure no. 002428

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
45 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
253
2021 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Red Road 55 over Cottaquilla Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Red Road 55 over Cottaquilla Creek in Calhoun County, Alabama. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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.

It carries about 253 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 399 by 2044. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRed Road 55
CrossesCottaquilla Creek
LocationWhite Plains
RouteCounty Highway 85
CountyCalhoun County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.75532, -85.68621
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating29.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic253 (2021)
Projected traffic399 by 2044
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$308,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Red Road 55 over Cottaquilla Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Red Road 55 over Cottaquilla 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Red Road 55 over Cottaquilla Creek carry?

About 253 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Red Road 55 over Cottaquilla Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Red Road 55 over Cottaquilla Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.