US Bridges

CO RD 71 over Upper Bear Creek

Good

Franklin County, Alabama · 1.2 MI NW CO 71 CO 79 JCT · Structure no. 011839

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
264 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
522
1985 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD 71 over Upper Bear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO RD 71 over Upper Bear Creek in Franklin 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 522 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 518 by 2031. The structure is 264 ft (80.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

CarriesCO RD 71
CrossesUpper Bear Creek
Location1.2 MI NW CO 71 CO 79 JCT
RouteCounty Highway 71
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.33401, -87.64974
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating70.5 US tons
Inventory rating42.3 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length264 ft (80.5 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic522 (1985)
Projected traffic518 by 2031
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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$2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD 71 over Upper Bear Creek built?

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

What condition is CO RD 71 over Upper Bear Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2023.

How much traffic does CO RD 71 over Upper Bear Creek carry?

About 522 vehicles per day (1985 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is CO RD 71 over Upper Bear Creek?

The structure is 264 ft (80.5 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns CO RD 71 over Upper Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.