US Bridges

County Road 344 over Cowpen Creek

Good

Lauderdale County, Alabama · 2.8 MI W. Int US 43 · Structure no. 021197

Built
2018
7 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
62 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
212
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 344 over Cowpen Creek is a concrete culvert carrying County Road 344 over Cowpen Creek in Lauderdale County, Alabama. It was built in 2018, so it is 7 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 9 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 212 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 315 by 2037. The structure is 62 ft (19 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 344
CrossesCowpen Creek
Location2.8 MI W. Int US 43
RouteCounty Highway 344
CountyLauderdale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.96271, -87.56087
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating78.7 US tons
Inventory rating47.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length62 ft (19 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic212 (2017)
Projected traffic315 by 2037
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$634,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 344 over Cowpen Creek built?

It was built in 2018, making it 7 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 344 over Cowpen Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 344 over Cowpen Creek carry?

About 212 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is County Road 344 over Cowpen Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (19 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns County Road 344 over Cowpen Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.