US Bridges

CO Rt 38 over Dry Creek

FairPosted for load

Jackson County, Alabama · 2.0 MI W JCT CR 43 · Structure no. 011431

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
68 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
240
1989 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

CO Rt 38 over Dry Creek is a concrete channel beam carrying CO Rt 38 over Dry Creek in Jackson County, Alabama. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 5 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 240 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 565 by 2039. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCO Rt 38
CrossesDry Creek
Location2.0 MI W JCT CR 43
RouteCounty Highway 38
CountyJackson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.52274, -86.03028
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating44.9 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic240 (1989)
Projected traffic565 by 2039
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$578,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO Rt 38 over Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is CO Rt 38 over Dry 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does CO Rt 38 over Dry Creek carry?

About 240 vehicles per day (1989 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is CO Rt 38 over Dry Creek?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns CO Rt 38 over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.