US Bridges

Spence Cave RD over Cave Br

Fair

Limestone County, Alabama · SEC5 T1S R4W · Structure no. 002411

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2014 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Spence Cave RD over Cave Br is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Spence Cave RD over Cave Br in Limestone County, Alabama. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 150 by 2034. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSpence Cave RD
CrossesCave Br
LocationSEC5 T1S R4W
RouteCounty Highway 73
CountyLimestone County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.9857, -86.96873
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating55.4 US tons
Inventory rating38.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width14 ft (4.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2014)
Projected traffic150 by 2034
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
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$255,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Spence Cave RD over Cave Br built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Spence Cave RD over Cave Br 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Spence Cave RD over Cave Br carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2014 count).

How long is Spence Cave RD over Cave Br?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Spence Cave RD over Cave Br?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.