US Bridges

Cave Spring RD over Rich Creek

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 0.1 MI JCT US HWY 431 · Structure no. 002475

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Masonry
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
550
1992 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cave Spring RD over Rich Creek is a masonry culvert carrying Cave Spring RD over Rich Creek in Madison 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 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 550 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 700 by 2035. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCave Spring RD
CrossesRich Creek
Location0.1 MI JCT US HWY 431
RouteCity Street 199
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.59828, -86.45176
Functional classUrban 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
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 rating36 US tons
Inventory rating26 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialMasonry
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span13 ft (3.9 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic550 (1992)
Projected traffic700 by 2035
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

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal 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$284,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cave Spring RD over Rich Creek built?

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

What condition is Cave Spring RD over Rich 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 Cave Spring RD over Rich Creek carry?

About 550 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Cave Spring RD over Rich Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (3.9 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Cave Spring RD over Rich Creek?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.