US Bridges

HWY #17 over Bee Branch

Good

Geneva County, Alabama · 2 MI NW of Samson · Structure no. 006509

Built
1959
66 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Good
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
365
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY #17 over Bee Branch is a concrete culvert carrying HWY #17 over Bee Branch in Geneva County, Alabama. It was built in 1959 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 66 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 365 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 405 by 2044. The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY #17
CrossesBee Branch
Location2 MI NW of Samson
RouteCounty Highway 17
CountyGeneva County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.13073, -86.07246
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating62.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.7 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic365 (2024)
Projected traffic405 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$486,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY #17 over Bee Branch built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is HWY #17 over Bee Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2024.

How much traffic does HWY #17 over Bee Branch carry?

About 365 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is HWY #17 over Bee Branch?

The structure is 29 ft (8.7 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns HWY #17 over Bee Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.