US Bridges

SR 13 over Little Bear Creek

Fair

Franklin County, Alabama · 1.6 M N JCT SR13 & SR237 · Structure no. 005114

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,960
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 13 over Little Bear Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR 13 over Little Bear Creek in Franklin County, Alabama. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 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 5,960 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,656 by 2033. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 13
CrossesLittle Bear Creek
Location1.6 M N JCT SR13 & SR237
RouteState Highway 13
CountyFranklin County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.36722, -87.71636
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 inspectionMarch 2023
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,960 (2023)
Projected traffic7,656 by 2033
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 13 over Little Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 13 over Little 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SR 13 over Little Bear Creek carry?

About 5,960 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SR 13 over Little Bear Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns SR 13 over Little Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.