US Bridges

Colvin Gap Rd. over Big Cove Creek

FairPosted for load

Etowah County, Alabama · At Int With Alford Bend · Structure no. 001845

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
41 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
950
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Colvin Gap Rd. over Big Cove Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Colvin Gap Rd. over Big Cove Creek in Etowah County, Alabama. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 950 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,416 by 2032. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesColvin Gap Rd.
CrossesBig Cove Creek
LocationAt Int With Alford Bend
RouteCounty Highway 201
CountyEtowah County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.97402, -85.86501
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating19.6 US tons
Inventory rating11.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic950 (2003)
Projected traffic1,416 by 2032
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$305,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Colvin Gap Rd. over Big Cove Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is Colvin Gap Rd. over Big Cove 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Colvin Gap Rd. over Big Cove Creek carry?

About 950 vehicles per day (2003 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Colvin Gap Rd. over Big Cove Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Colvin Gap Rd. over Big Cove Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.