US Bridges

County Rt #38 over Bear Creek

PoorPosted for load

Pickens County, Alabama · 1.0 MI E of CO Rt #57 · Structure no. 010035

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2025
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
76 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
100
1998 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Rt #38 over Bear Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying County Rt #38 over Bear Creek in Pickens County, Alabama. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 200 by 2034. The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Rt #38
CrossesBear Creek
Location1.0 MI E of CO Rt #57
RouteCounty Highway 38
CountyPickens County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.36999, -87.90376
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating3 US tons
Inventory rating2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length76 ft (23.2 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (1998)
Projected traffic200 by 2034
Trucks0%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$595,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Rt #38 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Rt #38 over Bear Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2025.

How much traffic does County Rt #38 over Bear Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (1998 count).

How long is County Rt #38 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 76 ft (23.2 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns County Rt #38 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.