US Bridges

AL-6 over Bear Creek

Fair

Pickens County, Alabama · 1.4 MI W of Gordo · Structure no. 004780

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
272 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
7,221
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-6 over Bear Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying AL-6 over Bear Creek in Pickens County, Alabama. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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.

It carries about 7,221 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,352 by 2041. The structure is 272 ft (82.9 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-6
CrossesBear Creek
Location1.4 MI W of Gordo
RouteU.S. Route 82
CountyPickens County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.33485, -87.92683
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating47.5 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 20
Structure length272 ft (82.9 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,221 (2020)
Projected traffic4,352 by 2041
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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$2.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-6 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-6 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does AL-6 over Bear Creek carry?

About 7,221 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is AL-6 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 272 ft (82.9 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns AL-6 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.