US Bridges

SR38 / US280 over Hatchet Creek

Fair

Coosa County, Alabama · 7.8 MI E. Tall CO Line · Structure no. 011644

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
446 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,863
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR38 / US280 over Hatchet Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR38 / US280 over Hatchet Creek in Coosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1976, so it is 49 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 5,863 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,208 by 2043. The structure is 446 ft (136 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR38 / US280
CrossesHatchet Creek
Location7.8 MI E. Tall CO Line
RouteState Highway 38
CountyCoosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.03669, -86.12411
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating69 US tons
Inventory rating40.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length446 ft (136 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,863 (2023)
Projected traffic8,208 by 2043
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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$4.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR38 / US280 over Hatchet Creek built?

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR38 / US280 over Hatchet 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SR38 / US280 over Hatchet Creek carry?

About 5,863 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is SR38 / US280 over Hatchet Creek?

The structure is 446 ft (136 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns SR38 / US280 over Hatchet Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.