US Bridges

Old Fords Valley over Big Cove Creek

FairPosted for load

Etowah County, Alabama · 0.2 MI S of Fords Vlly RD · Structure no. 002062

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
353
2004 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Fords Valley over Big Cove Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Old Fords Valley over Big Cove Creek in Etowah County, Alabama. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 353 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 150 by 2033. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Fords Valley
CrossesBig Cove Creek
Location0.2 MI S of Fords Vlly RD
RouteCounty Highway 196
CountyEtowah County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.96673, -85.84177
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating28.8 US tons
Inventory rating17.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic353 (2004)
Projected traffic150 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$233,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Fords Valley over Big Cove Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old Fords Valley 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Old Fords Valley over Big Cove Creek carry?

About 353 vehicles per day (2004 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Old Fords Valley over Big Cove Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Old Fords Valley over Big Cove Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.