US Bridges

SR 17 over Branch

Fair

Lauderdale County, Alabama · 6 MI S Al & Tn ST Line · Structure no. 009829

Built
1921
104 years old, rebuilt 1969
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
21 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,850
2025 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 17 over Branch is a concrete slab carrying SR 17 over Branch in Lauderdale County, Alabama. It was built in 1921 and reconstructed in 1969, so it is 104 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 6,850 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,834 by 2033. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 17
CrossesBranch
Location6 MI S Al & Tn ST Line
RouteState Highway 17
CountyLauderdale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.91063, -87.66981
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.8 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.1 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,850 (2025)
Projected traffic8,834 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$371,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 17 over Branch built?

It was built in 1921, making it 104 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1969.

What condition is SR 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does SR 17 over Branch carry?

About 6,850 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is SR 17 over Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns SR 17 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.