US Bridges

Al 171 over Thornton Creek

Fair

Tuscaloosa County, Alabama · 0.5 MI N of Brownville · Structure no. 005644

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
62 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,582
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 171 over Thornton Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Al 171 over Thornton Creek in Tuscaloosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 2,582 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,231 by 2044. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 171
CrossesThornton Creek
Location0.5 MI N of Brownville
RouteState Highway 171
CountyTuscaloosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.41799, -87.74145
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 rating45.9 US tons
Inventory rating27.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,582 (2020)
Projected traffic4,231 by 2044
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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$748,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 171 over Thornton Creek built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al 171 over Thornton 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Al 171 over Thornton Creek carry?

About 2,582 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Al 171 over Thornton Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns Al 171 over Thornton Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.