US Bridges

CO Rt 270 over Bear Creek

FairPosted for load

DeKalb County, Alabama · 1.2 MI E CO Rt 127T7SR9E · Structure no. 011842

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
67 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
213
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Rt 270 over Bear Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying CO Rt 270 over Bear Creek in DeKalb County, Alabama. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 213 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 317 by 2043. The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO Rt 270
CrossesBear Creek
Location1.2 MI E CO Rt 127T7SR9E
RouteCounty Highway 77
CountyDeKalb County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.38089, -85.69798
Functional classRural Local

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating40.7 US tons
Inventory rating24.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length67 ft (20.4 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic213 (2023)
Projected traffic317 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$529,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Rt 270 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO Rt 270 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does CO Rt 270 over Bear Creek carry?

About 213 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is CO Rt 270 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 67 ft (20.4 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns CO Rt 270 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.