US Bridges

CO RD 20 over Cowpen Branch

Fair

Washington County, Alabama · 3 MI East of Abb Road · Structure no. 008296

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
300
1993 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD 20 over Cowpen Branch is a concrete culvert carrying CO RD 20 over Cowpen Branch in Washington 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.

It carries about 300 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 400 by 2042. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.1 mi (79 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO RD 20
CrossesCowpen Branch
Location3 MI East of Abb Road
RouteCounty Highway 20
CountyWashington County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.31919, -88.12306
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.8 US tons
Inventory rating25.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic300 (1993)
Projected traffic400 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.1 mi (79 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$359,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD 20 over Cowpen Branch built?

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

What condition is CO RD 20 over Cowpen Branch 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does CO RD 20 over Cowpen Branch carry?

About 300 vehicles per day (1993 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is CO RD 20 over Cowpen Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns CO RD 20 over Cowpen Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.