US Bridges

AL-17 over Branch

Fair

Pickens County, Alabama · 4.0 MI N JCT AL-14 · Structure no. 012662

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,500
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-17 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying AL-17 over Branch in Pickens County, Alabama. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 99 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 2,500 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,224 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 21.1 mi (34 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-17
CrossesBranch
Location4.0 MI N JCT AL-14
RouteState Highway 17
CountyPickens County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.18572, -88.10287
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 inspectionFebruary 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 rating98 US tons
Inventory rating77.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.4 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 traffic2,500 (2020)
Projected traffic3,224 by 2040
Trucks16%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$473,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-17 over Branch built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

What condition is AL-17 over Branch 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does AL-17 over Branch carry?

About 2,500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is AL-17 over Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns AL-17 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.