US Bridges

SR 17 over Branch

Fair

Washington County, Alabama · 2.3 Mi. N. of Freiburg · Structure no. 002318

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
53 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,750
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 17 over Branch is a concrete continuous slab carrying SR 17 over Branch in Washington 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 4,750 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,126 by 2033. The structure is 53 ft (16.3 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 17
CrossesBranch
Location2.3 Mi. N. of Freiburg
RouteU.S. Route 45
CountyWashington County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.1739, -88.27338
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.7 US tons
Inventory rating35.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length53 ft (16.3 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,750 (2013)
Projected traffic6,126 by 2033
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$454,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 17 over Branch built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 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 4,750 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is SR 17 over Branch?

The structure is 53 ft (16.3 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns SR 17 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.