US Bridges

County Road 22 over Cowan Creek

Good

Cherokee County, Alabama · 1.5 Miles NW Jct. CR 31 · Structure no. 020102

Built
2009
16 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
240 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,730
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 22 over Cowan Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 22 over Cowan Creek in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 2009, so it is 16 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,730 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,000 by 2040. The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 22
CrossesCowan Creek
Location1.5 Miles NW Jct. CR 31
RouteCounty Highway 22
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.1435, -85.59498
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.5 US tons
Inventory rating53.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length240 ft (73.2 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,730 (2020)
Projected traffic3,000 by 2040
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$1.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 22 over Cowan Creek built?

It was built in 2009, making it 16 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 22 over Cowan Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 22 over Cowan Creek carry?

About 2,730 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is County Road 22 over Cowan Creek?

The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 22 over Cowan Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.