US Bridges

Pearman Drive over Black Warrior River

FairPosted for load

Blount County, Alabama · 1/2 MI NE of Snead · Structure no. 006068

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
270 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
672
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Pearman Drive over Black Warrior River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Pearman Drive over Black Warrior River in Blount County, Alabama. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 672 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 999 by 2043. The structure is 270 ft (82.3 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPearman Drive
CrossesBlack Warrior River
Location1/2 MI NE of Snead
RouteCounty Highway 36
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.11143, -86.3625
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 inspectionOctober 2023
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.9 US tons
Inventory rating23.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length270 ft (82.3 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic672 (2023)
Projected traffic999 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$1.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Pearman Drive over Black Warrior River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is Pearman Drive over Black Warrior 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Pearman Drive over Black Warrior River carry?

About 672 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Pearman Drive over Black Warrior River?

The structure is 270 ft (82.3 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Pearman Drive over Black Warrior River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.