US Bridges

Ala 281 over Hubbard Creek

Fair

Clay County, Alabama · 5.0 MI S Cleburne Co.Line · Structure no. 016664

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
125
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ala 281 over Hubbard Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Ala 281 over Hubbard Creek in Clay County, Alabama. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 years old, younger 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 125 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 175 by 2043. The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAla 281
CrossesHubbard Creek
Location5.0 MI S Cleburne Co.Line
RouteState Highway 281
CountyClay County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.42469, -85.85928
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length40 ft (12.1 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic125 (2023)
Projected traffic175 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.2 mi (158 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$1.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ala 281 over Hubbard Creek built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ala 281 over Hubbard 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Ala 281 over Hubbard Creek carry?

About 125 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Ala 281 over Hubbard Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.1 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m).

Who owns Ala 281 over Hubbard Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.