US Bridges

SR 53 MP 1.627 over Cowarts Creek

Good

Houston County, Alabama · 1.6 Mi. N. Fla. Line · Structure no. 013659

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
451 ft
11 main spans
Daily traffic
1,980
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 53 MP 1.627 over Cowarts Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 53 MP 1.627 over Cowarts Creek in Houston County, Alabama. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 1,980 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,574 by 2033. The structure is 451 ft (137.5 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 53 MP 1.627
CrossesCowarts Creek
Location1.6 Mi. N. Fla. Line
RouteState Highway 53
CountyHouston County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.01672, -85.22263
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating27.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans11
Design loadHS 20
Structure length451 ft (137.5 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,980 (2013)
Projected traffic2,574 by 2033
Trucks9%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$4.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 53 MP 1.627 over Cowarts Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 53 MP 1.627 over Cowarts 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 SR 53 MP 1.627 over Cowarts Creek carry?

About 1,980 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is SR 53 MP 1.627 over Cowarts Creek?

The structure is 451 ft (137.5 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns SR 53 MP 1.627 over Cowarts Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.