US Bridges

Ruth Mtn Road over Cotaco Creek

Fair

Morgan County, Alabama · 1.0 MI E CR 296 · Structure no. 012439

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
50 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
225
2007 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ruth Mtn Road over Cotaco Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ruth Mtn Road over Cotaco Creek in Morgan County, Alabama. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 225 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 467 by 2044. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRuth Mtn Road
CrossesCotaco Creek
Location1.0 MI E CR 296
RouteCounty Highway 418
CountyMorgan County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.3666, -86.5936
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating63.5 US tons
Inventory rating41.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 10
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic225 (2007)
Projected traffic467 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$265,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ruth Mtn Road over Cotaco Creek built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ruth Mtn Road 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Ruth Mtn Road over Cotaco Creek carry?

About 225 vehicles per day (2007 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Ruth Mtn Road over Cotaco Creek?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Ruth Mtn Road over Cotaco Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.