US Bridges

AL-171 over Branch

Fair

Marion County, Alabama · 0.3 MI S JCT SR 17 · Structure no. 004717

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1954
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,505
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-171 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying AL-171 over Branch in Marion County, Alabama. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1954, so it is 97 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 13,505 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,100 by 2040. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-171
CrossesBranch
Location0.3 MI S JCT SR 17
RouteU.S. Route 43
CountyMarion County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.12992, -87.99003
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating84.2 US tons
Inventory rating50.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 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 traffic13,505 (2020)
Projected traffic13,100 by 2040
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure5
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$971,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-171 over Branch built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1954.

What condition is AL-171 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does AL-171 over Branch carry?

About 13,505 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is AL-171 over Branch?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns AL-171 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.