US Bridges

County Rt #16 over Bear Creek

FairPosted for load

Pickens County, Alabama · 0.7 MI East of JCT CO #57 · Structure no. 008279

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
375 ft
11 main spans
Daily traffic
500
1998 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Rt #16 over Bear Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying County Rt #16 over Bear Creek in Pickens County, Alabama. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 5 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 500 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 525 by 2029. The structure is 375 ft (114.3 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesCounty Rt #16
CrossesBear Creek
Location0.7 MI East of JCT CO #57
RouteCounty Highway 16
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.31895, -87.93278
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating46.6 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans11
Design loadHS 20
Structure length375 ft (114.3 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (1998)
Projected traffic525 by 2029
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$2.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Rt #16 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Rt #16 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does County Rt #16 over Bear Creek carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (1998 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is County Rt #16 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 375 ft (114.3 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns County Rt #16 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.