US Bridges

CO 4 over Cowikee Creek

FairPosted for load

Russell County, Alabama · .5 MI E Rutherford · Structure no. 008239

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
170 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
300
1981 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO 4 over Cowikee Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying CO 4 over Cowikee Creek in Russell County, Alabama. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 300 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 330 by 2035. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO 4
CrossesCowikee Creek
Location.5 MI E Rutherford
RouteCounty Highway 4
CountyRussell County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.19181, -85.30713
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39.4 US tons
Inventory rating23.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic300 (1981)
Projected traffic330 by 2035
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO 4 over Cowikee Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO 4 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does CO 4 over Cowikee Creek carry?

About 300 vehicles per day (1981 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is CO 4 over Cowikee Creek?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns CO 4 over Cowikee Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.