US Bridges

Al. 5 over Bear Crk.

Fair

Dallas County, Alabama · 4.2 Mi.N.Of Al 22 · Structure no. 013572

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
68 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,050
2005 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al. 5 over Bear Crk. is a concrete channel beam carrying Al. 5 over Bear Crk. in Dallas County, Alabama. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 1,050 vehicles a day, roughly 24% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,601 by 2030. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl. 5
CrossesBear Crk.
Location4.2 Mi.N.Of Al 22
RouteState Highway 5
CountyDallas County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.34594, -87.37919
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Operating rating68.5 US tons
Inventory rating41 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.1 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,050 (2005)
Projected traffic1,601 by 2030
Trucks24%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$557,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al. 5 over Bear Crk. built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al. 5 over Bear Crk. 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. 5 over Bear Crk. carry?

About 1,050 vehicles per day (2005 count), of which roughly 24% are trucks.

How long is Al. 5 over Bear Crk.?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Al. 5 over Bear Crk.?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.