US Bridges

Al - 38 East over Al - 149

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · US 280 * Al 149 · Structure no. 008327

Built
1964
61 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
252 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
33,735
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 38 East over Al - 149 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al - 38 East over Al - 149 in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1964 and reconstructed in 1998, so it is 61 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.

It carries about 33,735 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 44,374 by 2043. The structure is 252 ft (76.8 m) long and 69 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesAl - 38 East
CrossesAl - 149
LocationUS 280 * Al 149
RouteU.S. Route 280
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.47417, -86.76722
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating78.9 US tons
Inventory rating47.2 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length252 ft (76.8 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width69 ft (20.9 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic33,735 (2023)
Projected traffic44,374 by 2043
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$4.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 38 East over Al - 149 built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is Al - 38 East over Al - 149 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Al - 38 East over Al - 149 carry?

About 33,735 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Al - 38 East over Al - 149?

The structure is 252 ft (76.8 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 69 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 38 East over Al - 149?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.