US Bridges

SR 243 over Little Bear Creek

Fair

Franklin County, Alabama · 8.8 M S JCT SR243 & SR 24 · Structure no. 007808

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
60 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,330
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 243 over Little Bear Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR 243 over Little Bear Creek in Franklin County, Alabama. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 2,330 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,826 by 2033. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 243
CrossesLittle Bear Creek
Location8.8 M S JCT SR243 & SR 24
RouteState Highway 243
CountyFranklin County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.38571, -87.63888
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 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 spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length60 ft (18.3 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 traffic2,330 (2023)
Projected traffic2,826 by 2033
Trucks5%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$2.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 243 over Little Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 243 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does SR 243 over Little Bear Creek carry?

About 2,330 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 243 over Little Bear Creek?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns SR 243 over Little Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.