US Bridges

Sharpes Cove RD over Molder Creek

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 2.0 MI N JCT CO RD 415 · Structure no. 002079

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
29 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
35
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sharpes Cove RD over Molder Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Sharpes Cove RD over Molder Creek in Madison 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 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 35 vehicles a day, projected to reach 55 by 2040. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 22 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSharpes Cove RD
CrossesMolder Creek
Location2.0 MI N JCT CO RD 415
RouteCounty Highway 416
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.82092, -86.36322
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating46.6 US tons
Inventory rating27.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35 (1992)
Projected traffic55 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$245,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sharpes Cove RD over Molder Creek built?

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

What condition is Sharpes Cove RD over Molder 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Sharpes Cove RD over Molder Creek carry?

About 35 vehicles per day (1992 count).

How long is Sharpes Cove RD over Molder Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Sharpes Cove RD over Molder Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.