US Bridges

Co. 55 over Mccowan Creek

Fair

Chambers County, Alabama · 2 Mi. S. Tiller C.R. · Structure no. 003467

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
50 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
30
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. 55 over Mccowan Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Co. 55 over Mccowan Creek in Chambers County, Alabama. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 30 vehicles a day, projected to reach 55 by 2037. The structure is 50 ft (15.1 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCo. 55
CrossesMccowan Creek
Location2 Mi. S. Tiller C.R.
RouteCounty Highway 55
CountyChambers County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.9637, -85.58225
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
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 inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating60.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length50 ft (15.1 m)
Longest span23 ft (7.1 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30 (1992)
Projected traffic55 by 2037
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$264,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. 55 over Mccowan Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. 55 over Mccowan 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Co. 55 over Mccowan Creek carry?

About 30 vehicles per day (1992 count).

How long is Co. 55 over Mccowan Creek?

The structure is 50 ft (15.1 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7.1 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Co. 55 over Mccowan Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.