US Bridges

Bangor Cave Road over Bangor Cave

PoorClosed to traffic

Blount County, Alabama · 2 MI N of Bangor · Structure no. 005631

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2020
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
47 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
95
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Bangor Cave Road over Bangor Cave is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Bangor Cave Road over Bangor Cave in Blount County, Alabama. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 95 vehicles a day, projected to reach 142 by 2040. The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBangor Cave Road
CrossesBangor Cave
Location2 MI N of Bangor
RouteCounty Highway 127
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.99105, -86.74253
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2020
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length47 ft (14.3 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width13 ft (4 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic95 (2020)
Projected traffic142 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$207,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Bangor Cave Road over Bangor Cave built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is Bangor Cave Road over Bangor Cave in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2020.

How much traffic does Bangor Cave Road over Bangor Cave carry?

About 95 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Bangor Cave Road over Bangor Cave?

The structure is 47 ft (14.3 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns Bangor Cave Road over Bangor Cave?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.