US Bridges

AL-171 over Dougan Creek

Fair

Marion County, Alabama · 5 MI S JCT SR 17 · Structure no. 013689

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
170 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,300
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-171 over Dougan Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying AL-171 over Dougan Creek in Marion County, Alabama. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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 3,300 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,836 by 2040. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-171
CrossesDougan Creek
Location5 MI S JCT SR 17
RouteU.S. Route 43
CountyMarion County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.06958, -87.9741
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.5 US tons
Inventory rating47 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,300 (2020)
Projected traffic10,836 by 2040
Trucks7%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$2.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-171 over Dougan Creek built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-171 over Dougan 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 December 2024.

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

About 3,300 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is AL-171 over Dougan Creek?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns AL-171 over Dougan Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.