US Bridges

Al 171 over Sipsey River

Fair

Tuscaloosa County, Alabama · 0.7 MI S of Moores Bridge · Structure no. 005648

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
239 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,582
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 171 over Sipsey River is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Al 171 over Sipsey River 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 2040. The structure is 239 ft (72.9 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 171
CrossesSipsey River
Location0.7 MI S of Moores Bridge
RouteState Highway 171
CountyTuscaloosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.4403, -87.7717
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 rating39.5 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length239 ft (72.9 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,582 (2020)
Projected traffic4,231 by 2040
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$2.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 171 over Sipsey River built?

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

What condition is Al 171 over Sipsey 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 2023.

How much traffic does Al 171 over Sipsey River carry?

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

How long is Al 171 over Sipsey River?

The structure is 239 ft (72.9 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns Al 171 over Sipsey River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.