US Bridges

AL-17 over Branch of Buttahatchee

Fair

Pickens County, Alabama · 4.6 MI N of Reform · Structure no. 002562

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
45 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
1,618
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-17 over Branch of Buttahatchee is a concrete culvert carrying AL-17 over Branch of Buttahatchee in Pickens County, Alabama. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 1,618 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,535 by 2040. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-17
CrossesBranch of Buttahatchee
Location4.6 MI N of Reform
RouteState Highway 17
CountyPickens County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.43815, -88.00577
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating38.4 US tons
Inventory rating23 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span6 ft (1.8 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,618 (2020)
Projected traffic1,535 by 2040
Trucks9%
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$416,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-17 over Branch of Buttahatchee built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-17 over Branch of Buttahatchee 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 Branch of Buttahatchee carry?

About 1,618 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is AL-17 over Branch of Buttahatchee?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 6 ft (1.8 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns AL-17 over Branch of Buttahatchee?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.