US Bridges

CO Rt 217 over Shoal Creek

Fair

Lawrence County, Alabama · 1.6 MI S JCT SR 24 · Structure no. 001784

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
380
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Rt 217 over Shoal Creek is a concrete culvert carrying CO Rt 217 over Shoal Creek in Lawrence County, Alabama. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 380 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 750 by 2034. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesCO Rt 217
CrossesShoal Creek
Location1.6 MI S JCT SR 24
RouteCounty Highway 217
CountyLawrence County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.50333, -87.20167
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating75.9 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 traffic380 (1989)
Projected traffic750 by 2034
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$296,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Rt 217 over Shoal Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO Rt 217 over Shoal Creek 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 CO Rt 217 over Shoal Creek carry?

About 380 vehicles per day (1989 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is CO Rt 217 over Shoal Creek?

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

Who owns CO Rt 217 over Shoal Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.