US Bridges

County Road 17 over Samson Branch

Fair

Geneva County, Alabama · 1 Mile West of Samson · Structure no. 003970

Built
1951
74 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
375
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

County Road 17 over Samson Branch is a concrete culvert carrying County Road 17 over Samson Branch in Geneva County, Alabama. It was built in 1951, so it is 74 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 375 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 557 by 2044. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCounty Road 17
CrossesSamson Branch
Location1 Mile West of Samson
RouteCounty Highway CO017
CountyGeneva County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.11803, -86.06439
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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 inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating55.3 US tons
Inventory rating33.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length32 ft (9.7 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 traffic375 (2024)
Projected traffic557 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$311,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was County Road 17 over Samson Branch built?

It was built in 1951, making it 74 years old in 2025.

What condition is County Road 17 over Samson 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does County Road 17 over Samson Branch carry?

About 375 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is County Road 17 over Samson Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns County Road 17 over Samson Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.