US Bridges

CO Rt 44 over Soap Hole Branch

FairPosted for load

Lawrence County, Alabama · 2.7 MI S JCT CO Rt 343 · Structure no. 004137

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
80
1987 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Rt 44 over Soap Hole Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO Rt 44 over Soap Hole Branch in Lawrence County, Alabama. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 80 vehicles a day, projected to reach 175 by 2036. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesCO Rt 44
CrossesSoap Hole Branch
Location2.7 MI S JCT CO Rt 343
RouteCounty Highway 44
CountyLawrence County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.50191, -87.50012
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.
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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating19 US tons
Inventory rating14.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.2 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic80 (1987)
Projected traffic175 by 2036
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$155,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Rt 44 over Soap Hole Branch built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO Rt 44 over Soap Hole Branch 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does CO Rt 44 over Soap Hole Branch carry?

About 80 vehicles per day (1987 count).

How long is CO Rt 44 over Soap Hole Branch?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns CO Rt 44 over Soap Hole Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.