US Bridges

Al- 38 West over Ponciana DR

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · US 280 * Ponciana DR · Structure no. 010033

Built
1969
56 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
180 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
33,275
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al- 38 West over Ponciana DR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al- 38 West over Ponciana DR in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1969 and reconstructed in 1995, so it is 56 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 33,275 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 43,768 by 2042. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 70 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl- 38 West
CrossesPonciana DR
LocationUS 280 * Ponciana DR
RouteU.S. Route 280
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.48389, -86.78417
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.
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.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating97.6 US tons
Inventory rating58.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.2 m)
Roadway width63 ft (19.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic33,275 (2022)
Projected traffic43,768 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$3.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Al- 38 West over Ponciana DR built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is Al- 38 West over Ponciana DR 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 West over Ponciana DR carry?

About 33,275 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Al- 38 West over Ponciana DR?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns Al- 38 West over Ponciana DR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.