US Bridges

US 280 over Saugahatchee Creek

Fair

Lee County, Alabama · 2.1 MI S JCT SR 147 · Structure no. 011731

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1977
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
220 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
6,140
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 280 over Saugahatchee Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 280 over Saugahatchee Creek in Lee County, Alabama. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1977, so it is 87 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 6,140 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,076 by 2033. The structure is 220 ft (67.1 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 280
CrossesSaugahatchee Creek
Location2.1 MI S JCT SR 147
RouteU.S. Route 280
CountyLee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.65761, -85.45999
Functional classRural Minor 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.
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.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.5 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length220 ft (67.1 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.6 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,140 (2013)
Projected traffic8,076 by 2033
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 280 over Saugahatchee Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1977.

What condition is US 280 over Saugahatchee 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 US 280 over Saugahatchee Creek carry?

About 6,140 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 280 over Saugahatchee Creek?

The structure is 220 ft (67.1 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns US 280 over Saugahatchee Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.