US Bridges

SR 17 over Cope Creek

Fair

Washington County, Alabama · 2.6 Mi. N.Of Millry · Structure no. 010317

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
136 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,770
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 17 over Cope Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 17 over Cope Creek in Washington County, Alabama. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 1,770 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,283 by 2033. The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 17
CrossesCope Creek
Location2.6 Mi. N.Of Millry
RouteState Highway 17
CountyWashington County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.66644, -88.30663
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating65.4 US tons
Inventory rating39.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length136 ft (41.5 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,770 (2013)
Projected traffic2,283 by 2033
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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$1.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 17 over Cope Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 17 over Cope 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SR 17 over Cope Creek carry?

About 1,770 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SR 17 over Cope Creek?

The structure is 136 ft (41.5 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SR 17 over Cope Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.