US Bridges

Al - 38 (us 280) over Shades Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · .1 Mi. No Al 149 · Structure no. 008330

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
108 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
90,750
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 38 (us 280) over Shades Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Al - 38 (us 280) over Shades Creek in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1964, 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 90,750 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 119,369 by 2042. The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 38 (us 280)
CrossesShades Creek
Location.1 Mi. No Al 149
RouteU.S. Route 280
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.47291, -86.76516
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length108 ft (32.9 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic90,750 (2022)
Projected traffic119,369 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$8.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 38 (us 280) over Shades Creek built?

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

What condition is Al - 38 (us 280) over Shades 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Al - 38 (us 280) over Shades Creek carry?

About 90,750 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Al - 38 (us 280) over Shades Creek?

The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m).

Who owns Al - 38 (us 280) over Shades Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.