US Bridges

Co. Rd. 491 over Bear Creek

FairPosted for load

Randolph County, Alabama · 2 MI NE Rocky Branch · Structure no. 016212

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
25 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
25
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Rd. 491 over Bear Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Co. Rd. 491 over Bear Creek in Randolph County, Alabama. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 years old, older 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 5 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 25 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2030. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCo. Rd. 491
CrossesBear Creek
Location2 MI NE Rocky Branch
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyRandolph County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.3397, -85.3981
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating14.7 US tons
Inventory rating11 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 10
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (1989)
Projected traffic50 by 2030
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$128,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Rd. 491 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. Rd. 491 over Bear Creek 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Co. Rd. 491 over Bear Creek carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (1989 count).

How long is Co. Rd. 491 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Co. Rd. 491 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.