US Bridges

County Road 53 over Bear Creek

Good

Barbour County, Alabama · 1.2 MI NE of Al 10 · Structure no. 009121

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
51 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
310
2017 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 53 over Bear Creek is a concrete culvert carrying County Road 53 over Bear Creek in Barbour County, Alabama. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 310 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 350 by 2037. The structure is 51 ft (15.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 53
CrossesBear Creek
Location1.2 MI NE of Al 10
RouteCounty Highway 53
CountyBarbour County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.66412, -85.4563
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating50.3 US tons
Inventory rating30.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length51 ft (15.6 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 traffic310 (2017)
Projected traffic350 by 2037
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$598,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 53 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 53 over Bear Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 53 over Bear Creek carry?

About 310 vehicles per day (2017 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is County Road 53 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 51 ft (15.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns County Road 53 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.