US Bridges

Al - 38 (us 280) over I - 459

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · US 280 * I 459 · Structure no. 012382

Built
1980
45 years old, rebuilt 2003
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
413 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
53,280
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 38 (us 280) over I - 459 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al - 38 (us 280) over I - 459 in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1980 and reconstructed in 2003, so it is 45 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.

It carries about 53,280 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 70,083 by 2044. The structure is 413 ft (126 m) long and 125 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 38 (us 280)
CrossesI - 459
LocationUS 280 * I 459
RouteU.S. Route 280
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.44211, -86.72976
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
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.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating91.6 US tons
Inventory rating54.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length413 ft (126 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width125 ft (38 m)
Roadway width122 ft (37.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic53,280 (2024)
Projected traffic70,083 by 2044
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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$12.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 38 (us 280) over I - 459 built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2003.

What condition is Al - 38 (us 280) over I - 459 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 2024.

How much traffic does Al - 38 (us 280) over I - 459 carry?

About 53,280 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Al - 38 (us 280) over I - 459?

The structure is 413 ft (126 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 125 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 38 (us 280) over I - 459?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.