US Bridges

Terry Drake Road over Big Cove Branch

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 0.4 MI E CO RD 345 · Structure no. 007162

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,500
2021 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Terry Drake Road over Big Cove Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Terry Drake Road over Big Cove Branch in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 1,500 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,200 by 2043. The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesTerry Drake Road
CrossesBig Cove Branch
Location0.4 MI E CO RD 345
RouteCity Street 0
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.63, -86.49167
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating54.7 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length28 ft (8.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,500 (2021)
Projected traffic2,200 by 2043
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$310,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Terry Drake Road over Big Cove Branch built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Terry Drake Road over Big Cove 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Terry Drake Road over Big Cove Branch carry?

About 1,500 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Terry Drake Road over Big Cove Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns Terry Drake Road over Big Cove Branch?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.