US Bridges

CO 38 over Cowpen Creek

Fair

Lauderdale County, Alabama · 0.8 MI E Int CO 94 · Structure no. 008775

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
255
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO 38 over Cowpen Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO 38 over Cowpen Creek in Lauderdale County, Alabama. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 255 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 510 by 2028. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO 38
CrossesCowpen Creek
Location0.8 MI E Int CO 94
RouteCounty Highway 38
CountyLauderdale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.96844, -87.53858
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 inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating61.6 US tons
Inventory rating42.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic255 (1989)
Projected traffic510 by 2028
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$304,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO 38 over Cowpen Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO 38 over Cowpen 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does CO 38 over Cowpen Creek carry?

About 255 vehicles per day (1989 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is CO 38 over Cowpen Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns CO 38 over Cowpen Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.