US Bridges

Fred Bates RD over Dement CR

FairPosted for load

Limestone County, Alabama · SEC6 T2S R6W · Structure no. 003051

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
120
2009 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Fred Bates RD over Dement CR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Fred Bates RD over Dement CR in Limestone County, Alabama. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 6 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 120 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 180 by 2029. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFred Bates RD
CrossesDement CR
LocationSEC6 T2S R6W
RouteCounty Highway 18
CountyLimestone County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.90154, -87.20699
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating30.3 US tons
Inventory rating18.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckCorrugated steel
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic120 (2009)
Projected traffic180 by 2029
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$172,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Fred Bates RD over Dement CR built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is Fred Bates RD over Dement CR 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 Fred Bates RD over Dement CR carry?

About 120 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Fred Bates RD over Dement CR?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Fred Bates RD over Dement CR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.