US Bridges

SR 38 / US280 over Baker Creek

Fair

Coosa County, Alabama · 11.4 MI E. Tall CO Line · Structure no. 011646

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
170 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,625
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 38 / US280 over Baker Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SR 38 / US280 over Baker 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 5,625 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,875 by 2043. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 38 / US280
CrossesBaker Creek
Location11.4 MI E. Tall CO Line
RouteState Highway 38
CountyCoosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.99939, -86.08097
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45.6 US tons
Inventory rating33.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,625 (2023)
Projected traffic7,875 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$1.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 38 / US280 over Baker Creek built?

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

What condition is SR 38 / US280 over Baker 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 Baker Creek carry?

About 5,625 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is SR 38 / US280 over Baker Creek?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns SR 38 / US280 over Baker Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.