US Bridges

SR 38 / US280 over Socapatoy Creek

Poor

Coosa County, Alabama · 12.2 MI E. Tall CO Line · Structure no. 010760

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
11,250
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 38 / US280 over Socapatoy Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR 38 / US280 over Socapatoy 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 11,250 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,750 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 38 / US280
CrossesSocapatoy Creek
Location12.2 MI E. Tall CO Line
RouteState Highway 38
CountyCoosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.99111, -85.07192
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating41 US tons
Inventory rating24.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,250 (2023)
Projected traffic15,750 by 2043
Trucks21%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 38 / US280 over Socapatoy Creek built?

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

What condition is SR 38 / US280 over Socapatoy Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

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

About 11,250 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is SR 38 / US280 over Socapatoy Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3.1 m).

Who owns SR 38 / US280 over Socapatoy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.