US Bridges

Old Gurley Pike over Drake Cove Branch

Fair

Madison County, Alabama · 0.1 MI N New Hope · Structure no. 013096

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1984
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Masonry
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
525
1992 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old Gurley Pike over Drake Cove Branch is a masonry culvert carrying Old Gurley Pike over Drake Cove Branch in Madison County, Alabama. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1984, so it is 88 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 525 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 725 by 2040. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 35 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld Gurley Pike
CrossesDrake Cove Branch
Location0.1 MI N New Hope
RouteCounty Highway 188
CountyMadison County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.56275, -86.39816
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic525 (1992)
Projected traffic725 by 2040
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$375,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old Gurley Pike over Drake Cove Branch built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1984.

What condition is Old Gurley Pike over Drake 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Old Gurley Pike over Drake Cove Branch carry?

About 525 vehicles per day (1992 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Old Gurley Pike over Drake Cove Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Old Gurley Pike over Drake Cove Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.