US Bridges

County Rt #57 over Bear Branch

FairPosted for load

Pickens County, Alabama · 0.8 MI North of US HWY 82 · Structure no. 012398

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Wood or Timber
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
70
1998 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Rt #57 over Bear Branch is a wood or timber stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying County Rt #57 over Bear Branch in Pickens County, Alabama. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 70 vehicles a day, projected to reach 100 by 2034. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Rt #57
CrossesBear Branch
Location0.8 MI North of US HWY 82
RouteCounty Highway 57
CountyPickens County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.33364, -87.9424
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating18 US tons
Inventory rating12.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialWood or Timber
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length45 ft (13.7 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 traffic70 (1998)
Projected traffic100 by 2034
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$339,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Rt #57 over Bear Branch built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Rt #57 over Bear Branch 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does County Rt #57 over Bear Branch carry?

About 70 vehicles per day (1998 count).

How long is County Rt #57 over Bear Branch?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns County Rt #57 over Bear Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.