US Bridges

CO Rt 188 over Shoals Creek

FairPosted for load

Lawrence County, Alabama · 0.2 MI W JCT CO Rt 217 · Structure no. 002060

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
75
1987 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Rt 188 over Shoals Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO Rt 188 over Shoals Creek in Lawrence County, Alabama. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 75 vehicles a day, projected to reach 200 by 2036. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCO Rt 188
CrossesShoals Creek
Location0.2 MI W JCT CO Rt 217
RouteCounty Highway 226
CountyLawrence County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.50688, -87.20461
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating21.1 US tons
Inventory rating11.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width23 ft (6.9 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic75 (1987)
Projected traffic200 by 2036
Trucks0%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$216,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Rt 188 over Shoals Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO Rt 188 over Shoals 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does CO Rt 188 over Shoals Creek carry?

About 75 vehicles per day (1987 count).

How long is CO Rt 188 over Shoals Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns CO Rt 188 over Shoals Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.