US Bridges

Lucy Grade RD over Cowarts Creek

Fair

Houston County, Alabama · Wilson Mill to ST Park · Structure no. 016534

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
56 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
680
1996 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lucy Grade RD over Cowarts Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Lucy Grade RD over Cowarts Creek in Houston County, Alabama. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 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 680 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 900 by 2033. The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLucy Grade RD
CrossesCowarts Creek
LocationWilson Mill to ST Park
RouteCounty Highway 24
CountyHouston County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.15195, -85.30347
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating96.2 US tons
Inventory rating57.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length56 ft (17.1 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic680 (1996)
Projected traffic900 by 2033
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$855,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lucy Grade RD over Cowarts Creek built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lucy Grade RD 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Lucy Grade RD over Cowarts Creek carry?

About 680 vehicles per day (1996 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is Lucy Grade RD over Cowarts Creek?

The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns Lucy Grade RD over Cowarts Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.