US Bridges

County Road 445 over Cowpen Creek

Fair

Dale County, Alabama · SEC-18 T-4-N R-23-E · Structure no. 013193

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
170 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,217
2006 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 445 over Cowpen Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Road 445 over Cowpen Creek in Dale County, Alabama. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger 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 2,217 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,294 by 2034. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Road 445
CrossesCowpen Creek
LocationSEC-18 T-4-N R-23-E
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyDale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.31711, -85.78522
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating52.2 US tons
Inventory rating31.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,217 (2006)
Projected traffic3,294 by 2034
Trucks26%
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$1.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 445 over Cowpen Creek built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 445 over Cowpen 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does County Road 445 over Cowpen Creek carry?

About 2,217 vehicles per day (2006 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is County Road 445 over Cowpen Creek?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 445 over Cowpen Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.