US Bridges

Al 22 over Bear Creek

Fair

Dallas County, Alabama · 4.8 Mi.W.Of Orrville · Structure no. 010326

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
306 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
1,790
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 22 over Bear Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Al 22 over Bear Creek in Dallas County, Alabama. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 1,790 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,171 by 2033. The structure is 306 ft (93.3 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 22
CrossesBear Creek
Location4.8 Mi.W.Of Orrville
RouteState Highway 22
CountyDallas County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.30318, -87.32312
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.7 US tons
Inventory rating29.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHS 20
Structure length306 ft (93.3 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,790 (2013)
Projected traffic2,171 by 2033
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$2.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 22 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al 22 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Al 22 over Bear Creek carry?

About 1,790 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Al 22 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 306 ft (93.3 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Al 22 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.