US Bridges

CO 39 over Bluewater Creek

FairPosted for load

Lauderdale County, Alabama · 0.3 MI NW of CO 39 · Structure no. 005907

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
114 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
275
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO 39 over Bluewater Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying CO 39 over Bluewater Creek in Lauderdale County, Alabama. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 275 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 550 by 2030. The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO 39
CrossesBluewater Creek
Location0.3 MI NW of CO 39
RouteCounty Highway 39
CountyLauderdale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.97837, -87.46009
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 inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating39.4 US tons
Inventory rating23.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length114 ft (34.7 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic275 (1989)
Projected traffic550 by 2030
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$825,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO 39 over Bluewater Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO 39 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does CO 39 over Bluewater Creek carry?

About 275 vehicles per day (1989 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is CO 39 over Bluewater Creek?

The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns CO 39 over Bluewater Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.