US Bridges

Al 179 over Little Cove Creek

Good

Etowah County, Alabama · 6.3 MI N JCT US 278 · Structure no. 020263

Built
2014
11 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,988
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 179 over Little Cove Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Al 179 over Little Cove Creek in Etowah County, Alabama. It was built in 2014, so it is 11 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,988 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,783 by 2043. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 179
CrossesLittle Cove Creek
Location6.3 MI N JCT US 278
RouteState Highway 179
CountyEtowah County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.13833, -86.19667
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Operating rating68 US tons
Inventory rating40.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,988 (2023)
Projected traffic2,783 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$463,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 179 over Little Cove Creek built?

It was built in 2014, making it 11 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al 179 over Little Cove Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does Al 179 over Little Cove Creek carry?

About 1,988 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Al 179 over Little Cove Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns Al 179 over Little Cove Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.