US Bridges

SR 26 over North Fork Cowikee Creek

Fair

Russell County, Alabama · 3.6 MI E JCT SR 51 · Structure no. 013633

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
255 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,060
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 26 over North Fork Cowikee Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 26 over North Fork Cowikee Creek in Russell County, Alabama. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 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 1,060 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,293 by 2033. The structure is 255 ft (77.7 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 26
CrossesNorth Fork Cowikee Creek
Location3.6 MI E JCT SR 51
RouteState Highway 26
CountyRussell County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.25574, -85.35738
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length255 ft (77.7 m)
Longest span49 ft (14.9 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,060 (2013)
Projected traffic1,293 by 2033
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$2.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 26 over North Fork Cowikee Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 26 over North Fork 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does SR 26 over North Fork Cowikee Creek carry?

About 1,060 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is SR 26 over North Fork Cowikee Creek?

The structure is 255 ft (77.7 m) long with a longest span of 49 ft (14.9 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns SR 26 over North Fork Cowikee Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.