US Bridges

AL-171 over Branch

Fair

Fayette County, Alabama · 2.5 MI S JCT SR 159 · Structure no. 004676

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,103
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-171 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying AL-171 over Branch in Fayette County, Alabama. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 2,103 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,904 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

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CarriesAL-171
CrossesBranch
Location2.5 MI S JCT SR 159
RouteState Highway 171
CountyFayette County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.62933, -87.83683
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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating53 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.4 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 traffic2,103 (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$473,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-171 over Branch built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-171 over Branch 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 Branch carry?

About 2,103 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is AL-171 over Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns AL-171 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.