US Bridges

HWY 38 over Claybank Creek

Fair

Dale County, Alabama · R23E T6N Sec. 22 · Structure no. 014306

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
204 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
99
2006 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

HWY 38 over Claybank Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying HWY 38 over Claybank Creek in Dale County, Alabama. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 99 vehicles a day, projected to reach 147 by 2034. The structure is 204 ft (62.2 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHWY 38
CrossesClaybank Creek
LocationR23E T6N Sec. 22
RouteCounty Highway 38
CountyDale County
StateAlabama
Coordinates31.47653, -85.72272
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.5 US tons
Inventory rating33.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length204 ft (62.2 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic99 (2006)
Projected traffic147 by 2034
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$1.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was HWY 38 over Claybank Creek built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is HWY 38 over Claybank 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does HWY 38 over Claybank Creek carry?

About 99 vehicles per day (2006 count).

How long is HWY 38 over Claybank Creek?

The structure is 204 ft (62.2 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns HWY 38 over Claybank Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.