US Bridges

SR 13 over Bear Creek

Fair

Colbert County, Alabama · 9 MI S JCT SR 13 & SR 2 · Structure no. 004565

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,070
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 13 over Bear Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR 13 over Bear Creek in Colbert County, Alabama. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 15,070 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,359 by 2033. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.1 mi (42 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 13
CrossesBear Creek
Location9 MI S JCT SR 13 & SR 2
RouteU.S. Route 13
CountyColbert County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.57806, -87.68218
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.6 US tons
Inventory rating23.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length40 ft (12.2 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 traffic15,070 (2023)
Projected traffic19,359 by 2033
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.1 mi (42 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$1.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 13 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 13 over Bear Creek 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 2023.

How much traffic does SR 13 over Bear Creek carry?

About 15,070 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 13 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns SR 13 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.