Al - 38 East over Cahaba River
FairJefferson County, Alabama · Jeff/Shelby Co. Ln. · Structure no. 015301
- Built
- 1962
- 63 years old, rebuilt 1991
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected March 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel Continuous
- Length
- 407 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 38,675
- 2024 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
Al - 38 East over Cahaba River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al - 38 East over Cahaba River in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1991, so it is 63 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 38,675 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 50,871 by 2044. The structure is 407 ft (124.1 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was Al - 38 East over Cahaba River built?
It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1991.
What condition is Al - 38 East 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 March 2024.
How much traffic does Al - 38 East over Cahaba River carry?
About 38,675 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.
How long is Al - 38 East over Cahaba River?
The structure is 407 ft (124.1 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.
Who owns Al - 38 East over Cahaba River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.