US Bridges

CO Rt 14 over Bitter Creek

FairPosted for load

Lauderdale County, Alabama · .3 MI West County RD 129 · Structure no. 001560

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
504
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Rt 14 over Bitter Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO Rt 14 over Bitter 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 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 504 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,008 by 2031. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesCO Rt 14
CrossesBitter Creek
Location.3 MI West County RD 129
RouteCounty Highway 14
CountyLauderdale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.88768, -87.93173
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
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating18.3 US tons
Inventory rating11 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic504 (1989)
Projected traffic1,008 by 2031
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$292,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Rt 14 over Bitter Creek built?

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

What condition is CO Rt 14 over Bitter 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does CO Rt 14 over Bitter Creek carry?

About 504 vehicles per day (1989 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is CO Rt 14 over Bitter Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns CO Rt 14 over Bitter Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.