US Bridges

County HWY 21 over Bear Creek

Fair

Dale County, Alabama · Sec 25 T6N R25E · Structure no. 017119

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
68 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,473
2001 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County HWY 21 over Bear Creek is a concrete culvert carrying County HWY 21 over Bear Creek in Dale County, Alabama. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 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 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 1,473 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,190 by 2034. The structure is 68 ft (20.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.1 mi (63 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty HWY 21
CrossesBear Creek
LocationSec 25 T6N R25E
RouteCounty Highway 21
CountyDale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.46681, -85.69891
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 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 rating92 US tons
Inventory rating55.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length68 ft (20.6 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,473 (2001)
Projected traffic2,190 by 2034
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.1 mi (63 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$915,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was County HWY 21 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is County HWY 21 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does County HWY 21 over Bear Creek carry?

About 1,473 vehicles per day (2001 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is County HWY 21 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 68 ft (20.6 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.8 m).

Who owns County HWY 21 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.