US Bridges

CO RD 55 over Cowarts Creek

Fair

Houston County, Alabama · Ashford to Cottonwood · Structure no. 017064

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
374 ft
11 main spans
Daily traffic
775
1996 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD 55 over Cowarts Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying CO RD 55 over Cowarts Creek in Houston County, Alabama. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 775 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,200 by 2033. The structure is 374 ft (114 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO RD 55
CrossesCowarts Creek
LocationAshford to Cottonwood
RouteCounty Highway 55
CountyHouston County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.10562, -85.25456
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating81.7 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans11
Design loadUnknown
Structure length374 ft (114 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic775 (1996)
Projected traffic1,200 by 2033
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$2.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD 55 over Cowarts Creek built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO RD 55 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does CO RD 55 over Cowarts Creek carry?

About 775 vehicles per day (1996 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is CO RD 55 over Cowarts Creek?

The structure is 374 ft (114 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns CO RD 55 over Cowarts Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.