US Bridges

Al 17 over Hatchet Creek

Fair

Sumter County, Alabama · 2.3 Mi. N. of S.R.116 · Structure no. 002316

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
156 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
868
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 17 over Hatchet Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al 17 over Hatchet Creek in Sumter County, Alabama. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 868 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,422 by 2039. The structure is 156 ft (47.6 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 17
CrossesHatchet Creek
Location2.3 Mi. N. of S.R.116
RouteState Highway 17
CountySumter County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.83712, -88.30857
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; action required to protect exposed foundations
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52 US tons
Inventory rating31.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length156 ft (47.6 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic868 (2020)
Projected traffic1,422 by 2039
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$1.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 17 over Hatchet Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al 17 over Hatchet 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 2023.

How much traffic does Al 17 over Hatchet Creek carry?

About 868 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is Al 17 over Hatchet Creek?

The structure is 156 ft (47.6 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Al 17 over Hatchet Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.