US Bridges

CO RD 489 over Bear Creek

PoorPosted for load

Randolph County, Alabama · Waymon Smith)w.Mt Carmel · Structure no. 000957

Built
1932
93 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
1997 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO RD 489 over Bear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO RD 489 over Bear Creek in Randolph County, Alabama. It was built in 1932, so it is 93 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 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2030. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesCO RD 489
CrossesBear Creek
LocationWaymon Smith)w.Mt Carmel
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRandolph County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.3502, -85.3546
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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating3 US tons
Inventory rating2.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 10
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (1997)
Projected traffic75 by 2030
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-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$110,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RD 489 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO RD 489 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does CO RD 489 over Bear Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (1997 count).

How long is CO RD 489 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns CO RD 489 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.