US Bridges

CO Rt 36 over Richardson Creek

Fair

Lauderdale County, Alabama · Int CO Rt 36 and CO Rt 31 · Structure no. 001243

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
48 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
210
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Rt 36 over Richardson Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO Rt 36 over Richardson Creek in Lauderdale County, Alabama. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 years old, older 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 5 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 210 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 420 by 2028. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO Rt 36
CrossesRichardson Creek
LocationInt CO Rt 36 and CO Rt 31
RouteCounty Highway 36
CountyLauderdale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.92917, -87.48082
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.7 US tons
Inventory rating42.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic210 (1989)
Projected traffic420 by 2028
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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$387,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Rt 36 over Richardson Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO Rt 36 over Richardson 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 Rt 36 over Richardson Creek carry?

About 210 vehicles per day (1989 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is CO Rt 36 over Richardson Creek?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns CO Rt 36 over Richardson Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.