US Bridges

AL-17 over Buck Creek

Fair

Pickens County, Alabama · 3.3 MI S JCT US 82 · Structure no. 001936

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
58 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,587
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-17 over Buck Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying AL-17 over Buck Creek in Pickens County, Alabama. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 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 2,587 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,340 by 2040. The structure is 58 ft (17.8 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-17
CrossesBuck Creek
Location3.3 MI S JCT US 82
RouteState Highway 17
CountyPickens County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.3363, -88.03125
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.4 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length58 ft (17.8 m)
Longest span19 ft (5.8 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,587 (2020)
Projected traffic3,340 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed21.1 mi (34 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$507,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-17 over Buck Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-17 over Buck 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 2024.

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

About 2,587 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is AL-17 over Buck Creek?

The structure is 58 ft (17.8 m) long with a longest span of 19 ft (5.8 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns AL-17 over Buck Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.