US Bridges

SR 17 over Branch

Fair

Washington County, Alabama · 3.4 Mi. N. of Chatom · Structure no. 000625

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,810
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 17 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 17 over Branch in Washington County, Alabama. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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 1,810 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,334 by 2033. The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 17
CrossesBranch
Location3.4 Mi. N. of Chatom
RouteState Highway 17
CountyWashington County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.52563, -88.25579
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 inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.8 US tons
Inventory rating47.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,810 (2013)
Projected traffic2,334 by 2033
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$591,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 17 over Branch built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 17 over 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SR 17 over Branch carry?

About 1,810 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SR 17 over Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR 17 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.