US Bridges

Rt# 11/ Salem Rd. over Bear Creek Branch

PoorClosed to traffic

Pickens County, Alabama · 4.3 MI North of CO Rt 22 · Structure no. 012146

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
60 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
100
1998 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rt# 11/ Salem Rd. over Bear Creek Branch is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Rt# 11/ Salem Rd. over Bear Creek Branch in Pickens County, Alabama. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 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 3 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: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 100 vehicles a day, projected to reach 125 by 2034. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesRt# 11/ Salem Rd.
CrossesBear Creek Branch
Location4.3 MI North of CO Rt 22
RouteCounty Highway 11
CountyPickens County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.25527, -87.95519
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.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation0: Immediate repair necessary to put back in service
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Operating rating0 US tons
Inventory rating0 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 10
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (1998)
Projected traffic125 by 2034
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$422,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rt# 11/ Salem Rd. over Bear Creek Branch built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rt# 11/ Salem Rd. over Bear Creek Branch 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Rt# 11/ Salem Rd. over Bear Creek Branch carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (1998 count).

How long is Rt# 11/ Salem Rd. over Bear Creek Branch?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Rt# 11/ Salem Rd. over Bear Creek Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.