US Bridges

New Hope Rd. over Bell Creek

FairPosted for load

Geneva County, Alabama · Bellwood · Structure no. 012480

Built
1957
68 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

New Hope Rd. over Bell Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying New Hope Rd. over Bell Creek in Geneva County, Alabama. It was built in 1957 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 68 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 78 by 2044. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesNew Hope Rd.
CrossesBell Creek
LocationBellwood
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyGeneva County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.18151, -85.79983
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
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating16 US tons
Inventory rating12 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2024)
Projected traffic78 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$299,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was New Hope Rd. over Bell Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is New Hope Rd. over Bell 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 New Hope Rd. over Bell Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is New Hope Rd. over Bell Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns New Hope Rd. over Bell Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.