US Bridges

County Rt #121 over Bear Creek

PoorPosted for load

Pickens County, Alabama · 2.0 MI North of CO Rt 20 · Structure no. 011487

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
100
1998 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Rt #121 over Bear Creek is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Rt #121 over Bear Creek in Pickens County, Alabama. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 years old, younger 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 110 by 2034. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCounty Rt #121
CrossesBear Creek
Location2.0 MI North of CO Rt 20
RouteCounty Highway 121
CountyPickens County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.42084, -87.90191
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (1998)
Projected traffic110 by 2034
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$267,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Rt #121 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Rt #121 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does County Rt #121 over Bear Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (1998 count).

How long is County Rt #121 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns County Rt #121 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.