US Bridges

Co. Rt. 438 over Ryan Creek

FairPosted for load

Cullman County, Alabama · CR 438 · Structure no. 007676

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
302 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
500
1991 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Rt. 438 over Ryan Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Co. Rt. 438 over Ryan Creek in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 500 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 750 by 2035. The structure is 302 ft (92 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesCo. Rt. 438
CrossesRyan Creek
LocationCR 438
RouteCounty Highway 18
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.09128, -86.92332
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating39.7 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+1 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length302 ft (92 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (1991)
Projected traffic750 by 2035
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$1.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Rt. 438 over Ryan Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. Rt. 438 over Ryan 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does Co. Rt. 438 over Ryan Creek carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (1991 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Co. Rt. 438 over Ryan Creek?

The structure is 302 ft (92 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Co. Rt. 438 over Ryan Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.