US Bridges

Fortner ST Ext over Bear Creek

Fair

Houston County, Alabama · CO RD 49 to Pilgram Rest · Structure no. 016504

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
136 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
700
1995 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Fortner ST Ext over Bear Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying Fortner ST Ext over Bear Creek in Houston County, Alabama. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 700 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,000 by 2033. The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesFortner ST Ext
CrossesBear Creek
LocationCO RD 49 to Pilgram Rest
RouteCounty Highway 40
CountyHouston County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.20776, -85.54627
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: 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 rating81.7 US tons
Inventory rating49.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length136 ft (41.5 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic700 (1995)
Projected traffic1,000 by 2033
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Fortner ST Ext over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is Fortner ST Ext 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Fortner ST Ext over Bear Creek carry?

About 700 vehicles per day (1995 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is Fortner ST Ext over Bear Creek?

The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Fortner ST Ext over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.