US Bridges

HWY 1 over Cowpen Creek

Good

Dale County, Alabama · SEC-17 T-4-N R-23-E · Structure no. 012528

Built
1981
44 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
136 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
502
2005 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY 1 over Cowpen Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying HWY 1 over Cowpen Creek in Dale County, Alabama. It was built in 1981, so it is 44 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 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 502 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 746 by 2034. The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY 1
CrossesCowpen Creek
LocationSEC-17 T-4-N R-23-E
RouteCounty Highway 1
CountyDale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.32257, -85.75729
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating87.1 US tons
Inventory rating52.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length136 ft (41.5 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic502 (2005)
Projected traffic746 by 2034
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$1.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY 1 over Cowpen Creek built?

It was built in 1981, making it 44 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY 1 over Cowpen 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does HWY 1 over Cowpen Creek carry?

About 502 vehicles per day (2005 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is HWY 1 over Cowpen Creek?

The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns HWY 1 over Cowpen Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.