US Bridges

AL-17 over Buttahatchee Crk Relief

Fair

Lamar County, Alabama · 0.6 MI N JCT SR 118 · Structure no. 002557

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
222 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
2,392
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-17 over Buttahatchee Crk Relief is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying AL-17 over Buttahatchee Crk Relief in Lamar County, Alabama. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 2,392 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,147 by 2041. The structure is 222 ft (67.8 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-17
CrossesButtahatchee Crk Relief
Location0.6 MI N JCT SR 118
RouteState Highway 17
CountyLamar County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.90964, -88.13963
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.6 US tons
Inventory rating38.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadH 15
Structure length222 ft (67.8 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,392 (2020)
Projected traffic3,147 by 2041
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-17 over Buttahatchee Crk Relief built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-17 over Buttahatchee Crk Relief 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does AL-17 over Buttahatchee Crk Relief carry?

About 2,392 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is AL-17 over Buttahatchee Crk Relief?

The structure is 222 ft (67.8 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns AL-17 over Buttahatchee Crk Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.