US Bridges

Oreyonia Road over Bear Creek

Fair

Tuscaloosa County, Alabama · 3 Mi. South of Sterling · Structure no. 019708

Built
2005
20 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
102 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2006 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Oreyonia Road over Bear Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying Oreyonia Road over Bear Creek in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. It was built in 2005, so it is 20 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.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 150 by 2036. The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOreyonia Road
CrossesBear Creek
Location3 Mi. South of Sterling
RouteCounty Highway 237
CountyTuscaloosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.54264, -87.56111
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79 US tons
Inventory rating47.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length102 ft (31.1 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2006)
Projected traffic150 by 2036
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$897,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Oreyonia Road over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 2005, making it 20 years old in 2025.

What condition is Oreyonia Road 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Oreyonia Road over Bear Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2006 count).

How long is Oreyonia Road over Bear Creek?

The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Oreyonia Road over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.