US Bridges

SR 17 over Branch

Fair

Lauderdale County, Alabama · 2 M S Al & Tn ST Line · Structure no. 009830

Built
1921
104 years old, rebuilt 1969
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,212
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 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 3,212 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,142 by 2033. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 17
CrossesBranch
Location2 M S Al & Tn ST Line
RouteState Highway 17
CountyLauderdale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.97803, -87.6708
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.5 US tons
Inventory rating24.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width46 ft (14.1 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,212 (2025)
Projected traffic4,142 by 2033
Trucks7%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$451,000 (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 3,212 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 17 over Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns SR 17 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.