US Bridges

CO 51 over Second Creek

FairPosted for load

Lauderdale County, Alabama · 1.2 MI N CO Rt 50 · Structure no. 005938

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
108 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
150
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO 51 over Second Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO 51 over Second 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 150 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 300 by 2031. The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO 51
CrossesSecond Creek
Location1.2 MI N CO Rt 50
RouteCounty Highway 51
CountyLauderdale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.9239, -87.33949
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating24.4 US tons
Inventory rating14.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length108 ft (32.9 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 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 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$628,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO 51 over Second Creek built?

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

What condition is CO 51 over Second 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does CO 51 over Second Creek carry?

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

How long is CO 51 over Second Creek?

The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns CO 51 over Second Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.