US Bridges

AL-17 over Buttahatchee Creek

Fair

Lamar County, Alabama · 1.2 MI N JCT SR 118 · Structure no. 002561

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

About this bridge

AL-17 over Buttahatchee Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying AL-17 over Buttahatchee Creek 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 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 2,392 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,147 by 2033. The structure is 227 ft (69.3 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

Location

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CarriesAL-17
CrossesButtahatchee Creek
Location1.2 MI N JCT SR 118
RouteState Highway 17
CountyLamar County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.91849, -88.14607
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating46.7 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+8 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length227 ft (69.3 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 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 2033
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-17 over Buttahatchee Creek built?

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

What condition is AL-17 over Buttahatchee Creek 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 Creek carry?

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

How long is AL-17 over Buttahatchee Creek?

The structure is 227 ft (69.3 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns AL-17 over Buttahatchee Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.