US Bridges

SR 38 / US280 over Vardaman Creek

Fair

Coosa County, Alabama · 6.4 MI E Talladeg CO Line · Structure no. 010758

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,792
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 38 / US280 over Vardaman Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR 38 / US280 over Vardaman Creek in Coosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 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 11,792 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,508 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 38 / US280
CrossesVardaman Creek
Location6.4 MI E Talladeg CO Line
RouteState Highway 38
CountyCoosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.05028, -86.14172
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating68.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length32 ft (9.9 m)
Longest span10 ft (3.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,792 (2023)
Projected traffic16,508 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

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$2.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 38 / US280 over Vardaman Creek built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 38 / US280 over Vardaman 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SR 38 / US280 over Vardaman Creek carry?

About 11,792 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is SR 38 / US280 over Vardaman Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.9 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3.2 m).

Who owns SR 38 / US280 over Vardaman Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.