US Bridges

County Rt #246 over Bear Creek Branch

GoodPosted for load

Pickens County, Alabama · 0.4 MI N of State Rt 159 · Structure no. 002485

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
46 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
75
1998 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Rt #246 over Bear Creek Branch is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Rt #246 over Bear Creek Branch in Pickens County, Alabama. It was built in 1992, so it is 33 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 75 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2030. The structure is 46 ft (14.1 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Rt #246
CrossesBear Creek Branch
Location0.4 MI N of State Rt 159
RouteCounty Highway 246
CountyPickens County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.37858, -87.8969
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating18 US tons
Inventory rating13.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length46 ft (14.1 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.7 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic75 (1998)
Projected traffic50 by 2030
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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$361,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Rt #246 over Bear Creek Branch built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Rt #246 over Bear Creek Branch 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does County Rt #246 over Bear Creek Branch carry?

About 75 vehicles per day (1998 count).

How long is County Rt #246 over Bear Creek Branch?

The structure is 46 ft (14.1 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.7 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Rt #246 over Bear Creek Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.