US Bridges

SR 17 over Souwilpa Creek

Fair

Choctaw County, Alabama · 3.7 Mi.N.Of Silas · Structure no. 002555

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
221 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
2,830
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 17 over Souwilpa Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 17 over Souwilpa Creek in Choctaw County, Alabama. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 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 2,830 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,650 by 2033. The structure is 221 ft (67.5 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 17
CrossesSouwilpa Creek
Location3.7 Mi.N.Of Silas
RouteState Highway 17
CountyChoctaw County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.82416, -88.31329
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating63.6 US tons
Inventory rating38.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadH 15
Structure length221 ft (67.5 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,830 (2013)
Projected traffic3,650 by 2033
Trucks17%
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 17 over Souwilpa Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 17 over Souwilpa 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does SR 17 over Souwilpa Creek carry?

About 2,830 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SR 17 over Souwilpa Creek?

The structure is 221 ft (67.5 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns SR 17 over Souwilpa Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.