US Bridges

AL-171 over Cains Ridge Creek

Fair

Fayette County, Alabama · 0.2 MI S JCT SR 159 · Structure no. 004459

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,285
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-171 over Cains Ridge Creek is a concrete culvert carrying AL-171 over Cains Ridge 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 2,285 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,087 by 2040. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-171
CrossesCains Ridge Creek
Location0.2 MI S JCT SR 159
RouteState Highway 171
CountyFayette County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.64676, -87.83817
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.8 US tons
Inventory rating35.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,285 (2020)
Projected traffic3,087 by 2040
Trucks5%
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$605,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-171 over Cains Ridge Creek built?

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

What condition is AL-171 over Cains Ridge 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 Cains Ridge Creek carry?

About 2,285 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is AL-171 over Cains Ridge Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns AL-171 over Cains Ridge Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.