US Bridges

Old U.S. 280 over Cahaba River

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · Old 280 * Cahaba River · Structure no. 000311

Built
1925
100 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
320 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,000
2014 count
Owner
City
City or Municipal Highway Agency

About this bridge

Old U.S. 280 over Cahaba River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Old U.S. 280 over Cahaba River in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1925, so it is 100 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 5 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 6,000 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,000 by 2044. The structure is 320 ft (97.5 m) long and 27 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOld U.S. 280
CrossesCahaba River
LocationOld 280 * Cahaba River
RouteCity Street 0
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.43167, -86.71333
Functional classUrban 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44.1 US tons
Inventory rating26.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+6 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length320 ft (97.5 m)
Longest span66 ft (20.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,000 (2014)
Projected traffic6,000 by 2044
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Maintained byCity or Municipal Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Old U.S. 280 over Cahaba River built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025.

What condition is Old U.S. 280 over Cahaba River 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does Old U.S. 280 over Cahaba River carry?

About 6,000 vehicles per day (2014 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Old U.S. 280 over Cahaba River?

The structure is 320 ft (97.5 m) long with a longest span of 66 ft (20.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Old U.S. 280 over Cahaba River?

It is owned by the City or Municipal Highway Agency.