US Bridges

AL-171 over Gravlee Creek

Fair

Fayette County, Alabama · 6.9 MI N of Newtonville · Structure no. 004455

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,230
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-171 over Gravlee Creek is a concrete culvert carrying AL-171 over Gravlee Creek in Fayette County, Alabama. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 2,230 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,904 by 2040. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-171
CrossesGravlee Creek
Location6.9 MI N of Newtonville
RouteState Highway 171
CountyFayette County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.563, -87.8033
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating61.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.5 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,230 (2020)
Projected traffic2,904 by 2040
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$454,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-171 over Gravlee Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-171 over Gravlee 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does AL-171 over Gravlee Creek carry?

About 2,230 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is AL-171 over Gravlee Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.5 m).

Who owns AL-171 over Gravlee Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.