US Bridges

AL-17 over Ragsdale Creek

Fair

Marion County, Alabama · 0.2 MI N JCT US 278 · Structure no. 004205

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1952
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
136 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
14,158
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-17 over Ragsdale Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying AL-17 over Ragsdale Creek in Marion County, Alabama. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1952, so it is 94 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 14,158 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,908 by 2040. The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-17
CrossesRagsdale Creek
Location0.2 MI N JCT US 278
RouteU.S. Route 43
CountyMarion County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.14569, -87.98656
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.6 US tons
Inventory rating47.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length136 ft (41.5 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.8 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,158 (2020)
Projected traffic19,908 by 2040
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-17 over Ragsdale Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1952.

What condition is AL-17 over Ragsdale 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does AL-17 over Ragsdale Creek carry?

About 14,158 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is AL-17 over Ragsdale Creek?

The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns AL-17 over Ragsdale Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.