US Bridges

AL-17 over Tombigbee River

Fair

Pickens County, Alabama · 6.0 MI S of Aliceville · Structure no. 012363

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel Continuous
Length
1,985 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,524
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-17 over Tombigbee River is a steel continuous girder and floorbeam system carrying AL-17 over Tombigbee River in Pickens County, Alabama. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 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 1,524 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,102 by 2040. The structure is 1,985 ft (605.1 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.1 mi (63 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-17
CrossesTombigbee River
Location6.0 MI S of Aliceville
RouteState Highway 17
CountyPickens County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.07981, -88.23821
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating47.7 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+10 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,985 ft (605.1 m)
Longest span375 ft (114.3 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,524 (2020)
Projected traffic2,102 by 2040
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.1 mi (63 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$19.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-17 over Tombigbee River built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-17 over Tombigbee River 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 Tombigbee River carry?

About 1,524 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is AL-17 over Tombigbee River?

The structure is 1,985 ft (605.1 m) long with a longest span of 375 ft (114.3 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns AL-17 over Tombigbee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.