US Bridges

CO 33 over Bluewater Creek

FairPosted for load

Lauderdale County, Alabama · 0.9 MI N CO 71 · Structure no. 002353

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
150 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
210
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO 33 over Bluewater Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying CO 33 over Bluewater Creek in Lauderdale County, Alabama. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 210 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 420 by 2031. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO 33
CrossesBluewater Creek
Location0.9 MI N CO 71
RouteCounty Highway 33
CountyLauderdale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.92067, -87.44172
Functional classRural Local

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 inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating30 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic210 (1989)
Projected traffic420 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$881,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO 33 over Bluewater Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO 33 over Bluewater 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does CO 33 over Bluewater Creek carry?

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

How long is CO 33 over Bluewater Creek?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns CO 33 over Bluewater Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.