US Bridges

CO RD 33 over Cowarts Creek

Fair

Houston County, Alabama · US 84 to CO RD 4 · Structure no. 014885

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
204 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
500
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD 33 over Cowarts Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying CO RD 33 over Cowarts Creek in Houston County, Alabama. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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 500 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 800 by 2033. The structure is 204 ft (62.2 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCO RD 33
CrossesCowarts Creek
LocationUS 84 to CO RD 4
RouteCounty Highway 33
CountyHouston County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.12581, -85.26697
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating81.7 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length204 ft (62.2 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (1992)
Projected traffic800 by 2033
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$1.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD 33 over Cowarts Creek built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO RD 33 over Cowarts 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does CO RD 33 over Cowarts Creek carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is CO RD 33 over Cowarts Creek?

The structure is 204 ft (62.2 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns CO RD 33 over Cowarts Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.