US Bridges

SR 51 over Cowikee Creek

Fair

Russell County, Alabama · 3.9 MI N JCT SR 26 · Structure no. 004393

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
970
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 51 over Cowikee Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR 51 over Cowikee Creek in Russell County, Alabama. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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.

It carries about 970 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,327 by 2033. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 51
CrossesCowikee Creek
Location3.9 MI N JCT SR 26
RouteState Highway 51
CountyRussell County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.30167, -85.41333
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating50.5 US tons
Inventory rating30.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic970 (2013)
Projected traffic1,327 by 2033
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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$320,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 51 over Cowikee Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 51 over Cowikee 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does SR 51 over Cowikee Creek carry?

About 970 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is SR 51 over Cowikee Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns SR 51 over Cowikee Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.