US Bridges

AL-171 over Beaver Creek

Fair

Marion County, Alabama · 3 MI N JCT SR 107 · Structure no. 004677

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
170 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,326
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-171 over Beaver Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying AL-171 over Beaver Creek in Marion County, Alabama. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 3,326 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,058 by 2040. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-171
CrossesBeaver Creek
Location3 MI N JCT SR 107
RouteU.S. Route 43
CountyMarion County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.99564, -87.92947
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating47.8 US tons
Inventory rating28.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,326 (2020)
Projected traffic3,058 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-171 over Beaver Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-171 over Beaver 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does AL-171 over Beaver Creek carry?

About 3,326 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is AL-171 over Beaver Creek?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns AL-171 over Beaver Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.