US Bridges

AL.5 over Bear Creek

Fair

Dallas County, Alabama · 4.4 Mi.N.Of Al 22 · Structure no. 013574

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
84 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,110
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL.5 over Bear Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying AL.5 over Bear Creek 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 1,110 vehicles a day, roughly 42% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,390 by 2033. The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 36 mi (58 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL.5
CrossesBear Creek
Location4.4 Mi.N.Of Al 22
RouteState Highway 5
CountyDallas County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.34831, -87.37865
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 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; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.1 US tons
Inventory rating35.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length84 ft (25.6 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,110 (2013)
Projected traffic1,390 by 2033
Trucks42%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed36 mi (58 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL.5 over Bear Creek built?

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

What condition is AL.5 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.5 over Bear Creek carry?

About 1,110 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 42% are trucks.

How long is AL.5 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns AL.5 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.