US Bridges

CO 24 over Cowpen Creek

Fair

Russell County, Alabama · Lato · Structure no. 005198

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
43 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
240
1980 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO 24 over Cowpen Creek is a concrete culvert carrying CO 24 over Cowpen Creek in Russell County, Alabama. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 240 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 300 by 2034. The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

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CarriesCO 24
CrossesCowpen Creek
LocationLato
RouteCounty Highway 24
CountyRussell County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.32259, -85.09607
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 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
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.8 US tons
Inventory rating29.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length43 ft (13.1 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.2 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic240 (1980)
Projected traffic300 by 2034
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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$378,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO 24 over Cowpen Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO 24 over Cowpen 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does CO 24 over Cowpen Creek carry?

About 240 vehicles per day (1980 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is CO 24 over Cowpen Creek?

The structure is 43 ft (13.1 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns CO 24 over Cowpen Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.