US Bridges

SR 281 over SR1/US431

Fair

Cleburne County, Alabama · 10.1 MI N Clay CO Line · Structure no. 012064

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
281 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
95
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 281 over SR1/US431 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 281 over SR1/US431 in Cleburne County, Alabama. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 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 95 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 133 by 2042. The structure is 281 ft (85.6 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 281
CrossesSR1/US431
Location10.1 MI N Clay CO Line
RouteState Highway 281
CountyCleburne County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.58763, -85.68334
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating59.3 US tons
Inventory rating35.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length281 ft (85.6 m)
Longest span125 ft (38.1 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic95 (2022)
Projected traffic133 by 2042
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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$2.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 281 over SR1/US431 built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 281 over SR1/US431 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 2023.

How much traffic does SR 281 over SR1/US431 carry?

About 95 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is SR 281 over SR1/US431?

The structure is 281 ft (85.6 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38.1 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns SR 281 over SR1/US431?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.