US Bridges

AL-171 over Branch

Fair

Fayette County, Alabama · City Limits of Fayette · Structure no. 008501

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1965
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
14,231
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 1926 and reconstructed in 1965, so it is 99 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 5 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 14,231 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,562 by 2040. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-171
CrossesBranch
LocationCity Limits of Fayette
RouteU.S. Route 43
CountyFayette County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.70267, -87.827
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating20.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 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 traffic14,231 (2020)
Projected traffic19,562 by 2040
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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$576,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-171 over Branch built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1965.

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 December 2024.

How much traffic does AL-171 over Branch carry?

About 14,231 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is AL-171 over Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 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.