US Bridges

AL-17 over Yellow Creek Relief

Fair

Lamar County, Alabama · 1.2 MI S JCT AL-18 · Structure no. 013926

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
328 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
2,033
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-17 over Yellow Creek Relief is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying AL-17 over Yellow Creek Relief in Lamar County, Alabama. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 years old, younger 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 2,033 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,076 by 2040. The structure is 328 ft (100 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

CarriesAL-17
CrossesYellow Creek Relief
Location1.2 MI S JCT AL-18
RouteState Highway 17
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.73715, -88.10998
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating54 US tons
Inventory rating32.3 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length328 ft (100 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,033 (2020)
Projected traffic2,076 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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$3.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-17 over Yellow Creek Relief built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-17 over Yellow Creek 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 Yellow Creek Relief carry?

About 2,033 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is AL-17 over Yellow Creek Relief?

The structure is 328 ft (100 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns AL-17 over Yellow Creek Relief?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.