US Bridges

Al 17 over Woodward Creek

Fair

Sumter County, Alabama · 3 Mi. S. of Pickensco. LN · Structure no. 001945

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
221 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
796
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 17 over Woodward Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al 17 over Woodward Creek in Sumter 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 5 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 796 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,072 by 2042. The structure is 221 ft (67.5 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 17
CrossesWoodward Creek
Location3 Mi. S. of Pickensco. LN
RouteState Highway 17
CountySumter County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.94814, -88.29733
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating63.6 US tons
Inventory rating38.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadH 15
Structure length221 ft (67.5 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic796 (2022)
Projected traffic1,072 by 2042
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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$1.4 million (2019 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 17 over Woodward Creek built?

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

What condition is Al 17 over Woodward 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does Al 17 over Woodward Creek carry?

About 796 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is Al 17 over Woodward Creek?

The structure is 221 ft (67.5 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Al 17 over Woodward Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.