US Bridges

CO RD No. 388 over Little Whippoorwill Crk

PoorPosted for load

DeKalb County, Alabama · 0.3 MI E Co. Rd. #3T8SR6E · Structure no. 000186

Built
1922
103 years old, rebuilt 2022
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
24 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD No. 388 over Little Whippoorwill Crk is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO RD No. 388 over Little Whippoorwill Crk in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1922 and reconstructed in 2022, so it is 103 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 4 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: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 25 vehicles a day, projected to reach 25 by 2044. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO RD No. 388
CrossesLittle Whippoorwill Crk
Location0.3 MI E Co. Rd. #3T8SR6E
RouteCounty Highway 48
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.34473, -86.07406
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
Deck9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating11.4 US tons
Inventory rating8.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 10
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2024)
Projected traffic25 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$124,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD No. 388 over Little Whippoorwill Crk built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2022.

What condition is CO RD No. 388 over Little Whippoorwill Crk 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does CO RD No. 388 over Little Whippoorwill Crk carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2024 count).

How long is CO RD No. 388 over Little Whippoorwill Crk?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns CO RD No. 388 over Little Whippoorwill Crk?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.