US Bridges

CO 81 over Burcham Creek

Fair

Lauderdale County, Alabama · 0.8 MI S CO 6 · Structure no. 003111

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
39 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
150
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO 81 over Burcham Creek is a concrete slab carrying CO 81 over Burcham Creek in Lauderdale County, Alabama. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 150 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 300 by 2031. The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO 81
CrossesBurcham Creek
Location0.8 MI S CO 6
RouteCounty Highway 81
CountyLauderdale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.88782, -87.81821
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating51.7 US tons
Inventory rating36.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length39 ft (11.9 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (1989)
Projected traffic300 by 2031
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$351,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO 81 over Burcham Creek built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO 81 over Burcham 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does CO 81 over Burcham Creek carry?

About 150 vehicles per day (1989 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is CO 81 over Burcham Creek?

The structure is 39 ft (11.9 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns CO 81 over Burcham Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.