US Bridges

Lee Road 188 over Sougahatchee Creek

FairPosted for load

Lee County, Alabama · 3 MI N of Loachapoka · Structure no. 005167

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
263 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,056
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lee Road 188 over Sougahatchee Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Lee Road 188 over Sougahatchee Creek in Lee County, Alabama. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 1,056 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,584 by 2044. The structure is 263 ft (80.2 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

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CarriesLee Road 188
CrossesSougahatchee Creek
Location3 MI N of Loachapoka
RouteCounty Highway 1188
CountyLee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.62669, -85.588
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Operating rating35.1 US tons
Inventory rating20.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length263 ft (80.2 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,056 (2024)
Projected traffic1,584 by 2044
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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$1.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lee Road 188 over Sougahatchee Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lee Road 188 over Sougahatchee 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Lee Road 188 over Sougahatchee Creek carry?

About 1,056 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Lee Road 188 over Sougahatchee Creek?

The structure is 263 ft (80.2 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Lee Road 188 over Sougahatchee Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.