US Bridges

CO RD 59 over Little Bear Creek

FairPosted for load

Franklin County, Alabama · 1.8 MI N CO 59 CO 16 JCT · Structure no. 005259

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
65 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
240
1986 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD 59 over Little Bear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO RD 59 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 6 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 240 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 246 by 2036. The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO RD 59
CrossesLittle Bear Creek
Location1.8 MI N CO 59 CO 16 JCT
RouteCounty Highway 59
CountyFranklin County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.37592, -87.77313
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating11.4 US tons
Inventory rating3.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length65 ft (19.8 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic240 (1986)
Projected traffic246 by 2036
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$432,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD 59 over Little Bear Creek built?

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

What condition is CO RD 59 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does CO RD 59 over Little Bear Creek carry?

About 240 vehicles per day (1986 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is CO RD 59 over Little Bear Creek?

The structure is 65 ft (19.8 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns CO RD 59 over Little Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.