US Bridges

CO 74 over Burcham Creek

Fair

Lauderdale County, Alabama · 0.2 MI S SR 20 · Structure no. 010947

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
102
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO 74 over Burcham Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying CO 74 over Burcham Creek in Lauderdale County, Alabama. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 6 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 102 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 204 by 2031. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO 74
CrossesBurcham Creek
Location0.2 MI S SR 20
RouteCounty Highway 74
CountyLauderdale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.93899, -87.862
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic102 (1989)
Projected traffic204 by 2031
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$287,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO 74 over Burcham Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO 74 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does CO 74 over Burcham Creek carry?

About 102 vehicles per day (1989 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is CO 74 over Burcham Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns CO 74 over Burcham Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.