US Bridges

SR 187 over Bear Creek

Fair

Franklin County, Alabama · 3.2 M N JCT SR187 & SR172 · Structure no. 005659

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
404 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
298
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 187 over Bear Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 187 over Bear Creek in Franklin County, Alabama. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 298 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 305 by 2033. The structure is 404 ft (123.1 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 187
CrossesBear Creek
Location3.2 M N JCT SR187 & SR172
RouteState Highway 187
CountyFranklin County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.35798, -87.89996
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating40.6 US tons
Inventory rating24.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length404 ft (123.1 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic298 (2023)
Projected traffic305 by 2033
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$2.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 187 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 187 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does SR 187 over Bear Creek carry?

About 298 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR 187 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 404 ft (123.1 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns SR 187 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.