US Bridges

Al 281 over Stream

Good

Clay County, Alabama · 3.0 MI S Cleb. Co. Line · Structure no. 014311

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Good
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
37 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
113
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 281 over Stream is a concrete culvert carrying Al 281 over Stream in Clay County, Alabama. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 113 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 158 by 2041. The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesAl 281
CrossesStream
Location3.0 MI S Cleb. Co. Line
RouteState Highway 281
CountyClay County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.44053, -85.84431
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating81 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length37 ft (11.3 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic113 (2021)
Projected traffic158 by 2041
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$736,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 281 over Stream built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al 281 over Stream in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in April 2023.

How much traffic does Al 281 over Stream carry?

About 113 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Al 281 over Stream?

The structure is 37 ft (11.3 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns Al 281 over Stream?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.