US Bridges

Lee Road 217 over Ropes Branch

Fair

Lee County, Alabama · 3.0 MI N Macon CO · Structure no. 003604

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
48 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
55
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Lee Road 217 over Ropes Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Lee Road 217 over Ropes Branch in Lee County, Alabama. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 55 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 83 by 2044. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 13 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesLee Road 217
CrossesRopes Branch
Location3.0 MI N Macon CO
RouteCounty Highway 1217
CountyLee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.62521, -85.68859
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating70.3 US tons
Inventory rating48.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width13 ft (4.1 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic55 (2024)
Projected traffic83 by 2044
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$210,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Lee Road 217 over Ropes Branch built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Lee Road 217 over Ropes 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Lee Road 217 over Ropes Branch carry?

About 55 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Lee Road 217 over Ropes Branch?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 13 ft wide.

Who owns Lee Road 217 over Ropes Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.