US Bridges

AL-13 over Bear Creek

Fair

Marion County, Alabama · 0.5M S JCT AL-172 · Structure no. 017443

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
455 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,413
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-13 over Bear Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying AL-13 over Bear Creek in Marion County, Alabama. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 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 5,413 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,564 by 2040. The structure is 455 ft (138.7 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-13
CrossesBear Creek
Location0.5M S JCT AL-172
RouteState Highway 13
CountyMarion County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.26631, -87.70228
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than 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 rating75 US tons
Inventory rating44.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length455 ft (138.7 m)
Longest span135 ft (41.1 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,413 (2020)
Projected traffic6,564 by 2040
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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$4.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-13 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-13 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does AL-13 over Bear Creek carry?

About 5,413 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is AL-13 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 455 ft (138.7 m) long with a longest span of 135 ft (41.1 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns AL-13 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.