US Bridges

SR 36 over Cotaco Creek

Fair

Morgan County, Alabama · 3 MI E JCT SR 36 & SR 67 · Structure no. 002692

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
158 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
4,020
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 36 over Cotaco Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SR 36 over Cotaco Creek in Morgan County, Alabama. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 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.

It carries about 4,020 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,866 by 2033. The structure is 158 ft (48.2 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 36
CrossesCotaco Creek
Location3 MI E JCT SR 36 & SR 67
RouteState Highway 36
CountyMorgan County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.46383, -86.71303
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating43.7 US tons
Inventory rating26.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length158 ft (48.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,020 (2023)
Projected traffic4,866 by 2033
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$1.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 36 over Cotaco Creek built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 36 over Cotaco 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SR 36 over Cotaco Creek carry?

About 4,020 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR 36 over Cotaco Creek?

The structure is 158 ft (48.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns SR 36 over Cotaco Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.