US Bridges

HWY 68 over Bear Creek

Fair

Dale County, Alabama · SEC-7 T-7-N R-26-E · Structure no. 013345

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
136 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
132
2003 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY 68 over Bear Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying HWY 68 over Bear Creek in Dale County, Alabama. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 years old, younger 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 132 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 196 by 2034. The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY 68
CrossesBear Creek
LocationSEC-7 T-7-N R-26-E
RouteCounty Highway 68
CountyDale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.60195, -85.47264
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.5 US tons
Inventory rating33.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length136 ft (41.5 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic132 (2003)
Projected traffic196 by 2034
Trucks5%
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$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY 68 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY 68 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 HWY 68 over Bear Creek carry?

About 132 vehicles per day (2003 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is HWY 68 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns HWY 68 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.