US Bridges

US 280 over First Avenue

Poor

Lee County, Alabama · 0.3MI E Int US 29 · Structure no. 016710

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
132 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
32,040
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 280 over First Avenue is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 280 over First Avenue in Lee County, Alabama. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 32,040 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 42,144 by 2033. The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long and 71 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 280
CrossesFirst Avenue
Location0.3MI E Int US 29
RouteU.S. Route 280
CountyLee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.63378, -85.40931
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating74.8 US tons
Inventory rating44.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length132 ft (40.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.6 m)
Roadway width68 ft (20.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic32,040 (2013)
Projected traffic42,144 by 2033
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$2.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 280 over First Avenue built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 280 over First Avenue in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in January 2024.

How much traffic does US 280 over First Avenue carry?

About 32,040 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 280 over First Avenue?

The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns US 280 over First Avenue?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.