US Bridges

AL-17 over Branch

Fair

Lamar County, Alabama · 3.3 MI N JCT SR 118 · Structure no. 003049

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,610
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-17 over Branch is a steel culvert carrying AL-17 over Branch in Lamar County, Alabama. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 1,610 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,076 by 2033. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-17
CrossesBranch
Location3.3 MI N JCT SR 118
RouteState Highway 17
CountyLamar County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.94592, -88.15268
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 inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,610 (2020)
Projected traffic2,076 by 2033
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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$394,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-17 over Branch built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-17 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does AL-17 over Branch carry?

About 1,610 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is AL-17 over Branch?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m).

Who owns AL-17 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.