US Bridges

CO Rt 8 over Cowpen Creek

FairPosted for load

Lauderdale County, Alabama · 4.7 MI E Int Al 17 · Structure no. 012463

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
305
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Rt 8 over Cowpen Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO Rt 8 over Cowpen Creek in Lauderdale County, Alabama. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1981, so it is 88 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 305 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 610 by 2030. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 17 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

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CarriesCO Rt 8
CrossesCowpen Creek
Location4.7 MI E Int Al 17
RouteCounty Highway 8
CountyLauderdale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.95662, -87.58677
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating29.9 US tons
Inventory rating12.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width17 ft (5.3 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic305 (1989)
Projected traffic610 by 2030
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$228,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Rt 8 over Cowpen Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1981.

What condition is CO Rt 8 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 2024.

How much traffic does CO Rt 8 over Cowpen Creek carry?

About 305 vehicles per day (1989 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is CO Rt 8 over Cowpen Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 17 ft wide.

Who owns CO Rt 8 over Cowpen Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.