US Bridges

Big Cove RD over Flint River

FairPosted for load

Madison County, Alabama · 0.6 W Old US HWY 431 · Structure no. 007503

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
398 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
500
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Big Cove RD over Flint River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Big Cove RD over Flint River in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 500 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 635 by 2040. The structure is 398 ft (121.3 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesBig Cove RD
CrossesFlint River
Location0.6 W Old US HWY 431
RouteCounty Highway 207
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.59398, -86.46834
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36.4 US tons
Inventory rating21.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length398 ft (121.3 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (1992)
Projected traffic635 by 2040
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$2.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Big Cove RD over Flint River built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is Big Cove RD over Flint River 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Big Cove RD over Flint River carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Big Cove RD over Flint River?

The structure is 398 ft (121.3 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Big Cove RD over Flint River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.