US Bridges

CR #21 over Bear Creek

FairPosted for load

Dallas County, Alabama · 1.4 MI S SR 22 W · Structure no. 007961

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
185 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2016 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CR #21 over Bear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CR #21 over Bear Creek in Dallas County, Alabama. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 36% of them trucks, projected to reach 210 by 2043. The structure is 185 ft (56.4 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCR #21
CrossesBear Creek
Location1.4 MI S SR 22 W
RouteCounty Highway 21
CountyDallas County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.28934, -87.30495
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating21.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6 (+1 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length185 ft (56.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.5 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2016)
Projected traffic210 by 2043
Trucks36%
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 CR #21 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is CR #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 January 2024.

How much traffic does CR #21 over Bear Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2016 count), of which roughly 36% are trucks.

How long is CR #21 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 185 ft (56.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns CR #21 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.