US Bridges

AL.170 over Flat Branch

Poor

Elmore County, Alabama · 2.3MI.E.JCT.AL.#14 · Structure no. 010811

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
72 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,820
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL.170 over Flat Branch is a concrete channel beam carrying AL.170 over Flat Branch in Elmore County, Alabama. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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.

It carries about 4,820 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,881 by 2033. The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL.170
CrossesFlat Branch
Location2.3MI.E.JCT.AL.#14
RouteState Highway 170
CountyElmore County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.57802, -86.1552
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.5 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length72 ft (21.9 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,820 (2013)
Projected traffic5,881 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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$655,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL.170 over Flat Branch built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL.170 over Flat Branch 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does AL.170 over Flat Branch carry?

About 4,820 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is AL.170 over Flat Branch?

The structure is 72 ft (21.9 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns AL.170 over Flat Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.