US Bridges

AL-17 over Branch

Fair

Lamar County, Alabama · Vernon · Structure no. 008945

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1966
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,574
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-17 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying AL-17 over Branch in Lamar County, Alabama. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1966, so it is 95 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 5,574 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,440 by 2038. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesAL-17
CrossesBranch
LocationVernon
RouteState Highway 17
CountyLamar County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.75852, -88.10888
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.9 US tons
Inventory rating35.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.4 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 traffic5,574 (2020)
Projected traffic9,440 by 2038
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$514,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-17 over Branch built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1966.

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 5,574 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is AL-17 over Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns AL-17 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.