FAIRHOPE, Ala. - The Baldwin County Highway Department has completed construction for the County Road 44 bridge over Cowpen Creek in Fairhope.

The bridge is now open to public traffic, according to a May 12 county news release.

The original CR 44 bridge was built in 1968 and was replaced due to multiple structural deficiencies and safety issues, the release stated.

Work began in January to repair the bridge.

The old bridge has been replaced with a large culvert, which will save the county money on maintaining the structure, according to the county.

Approximately 3,500 cars per day use the bridge, the release stated.