US Bridges

SR 38 over Frazier Creek

Fair

Lee County, Alabama · 1.0 MI W of JCT SR 14 · Structure no. 007403

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,330
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 38 over Frazier Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR 38 over Frazier Creek in Lee County, Alabama. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 13,330 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,534 by 2033. The structure is 45 ft (13.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 38
CrossesFrazier Creek
Location1.0 MI W of JCT SR 14
RouteU.S. Route 280
CountyLee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.64478, -85.42583
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length45 ft (13.6 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.2 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,330 (2013)
Projected traffic17,534 by 2033
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate 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$2.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 38 over Frazier Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 38 over Frazier 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SR 38 over Frazier Creek carry?

About 13,330 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is SR 38 over Frazier Creek?

The structure is 45 ft (13.6 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.2 m).

Who owns SR 38 over Frazier Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.