US Bridges

Little Cove RD over Sand Branch

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 0.5 MI W JCT US HWY 72 · Structure no. 001507

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Masonry
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,297
2001 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Little Cove RD over Sand Branch is a masonry culvert carrying Little Cove RD over Sand Branch in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1936, so it is 89 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.

It carries about 2,297 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,870 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLittle Cove RD
CrossesSand Branch
Location0.5 MI W JCT US HWY 72
RouteCounty Highway 233
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.69667, -86.40259
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,297 (2001)
Projected traffic2,870 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$245,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Little Cove RD over Sand Branch built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is Little Cove RD over Sand Branch 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Little Cove RD over Sand Branch carry?

About 2,297 vehicles per day (2001 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Little Cove RD over Sand Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Little Cove RD over Sand Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.