US Bridges

CO RD # 188 over Sinking Creek

PoorPosted for load

Lauderdale County, Alabama · 0.4 MI of CO 4 · Structure no. 001531

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD # 188 over Sinking Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying CO RD # 188 over Sinking Creek in Lauderdale County, Alabama. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 80 by 2033. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCO RD # 188
CrossesSinking Creek
Location0.4 MI of CO 4
RouteCounty Highway 188
CountyLauderdale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.77151, -87.82578
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating6 US tons
Inventory rating4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.3 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (1989)
Projected traffic80 by 2033
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$243,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD # 188 over Sinking Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO RD # 188 over Sinking Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does CO RD # 188 over Sinking Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (1989 count).

How long is CO RD # 188 over Sinking Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns CO RD # 188 over Sinking Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.