US Bridges

Al 171 over Simmons Branch

Fair

Tuscaloosa County, Alabama · 0.5 MI N of Moores Bridge · Structure no. 005651

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,345
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 171 over Simmons Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Al 171 over Simmons Branch 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 2,345 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,843 by 2044. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl 171
CrossesSimmons Branch
Location0.5 MI N of Moores Bridge
RouteState Highway 171
CountyTuscaloosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.4495, -87.78786
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating82.7 US tons
Inventory rating49.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.3 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,345 (2020)
Projected traffic3,843 by 2044
Trucks10%
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$507,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 171 over Simmons Branch built?

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

What condition is Al 171 over Simmons 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 171 over Simmons Branch carry?

About 2,345 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Al 171 over Simmons Branch?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m).

Who owns Al 171 over Simmons Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.