US Bridges

AL-17 over Beaver Creek

Fair

Pickens County, Alabama · 1.0 MI S of Palmetto · Structure no. 002520

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1941
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,218
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-17 over Beaver Creek is a concrete culvert carrying AL-17 over Beaver Creek in Pickens County, Alabama. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1941, so it is 96 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 1,218 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,535 by 2040. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-17
CrossesBeaver Creek
Location1.0 MI S of Palmetto
RouteState Highway 17
CountyPickens County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.47147, -87.98547
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.5 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 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 traffic1,218 (2020)
Projected traffic1,535 by 2040
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$369,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-17 over Beaver Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1941.

What condition is AL-17 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 2024.

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

About 1,218 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is AL-17 over Beaver Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns AL-17 over Beaver Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.