US Bridges

AL38/US280 over Saugahatchee Creek

Fair

Lee County, Alabama · 2.1 Mi. E SR 147 · Structure no. 017133

Built
2000
25 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
262 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,140
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL38/US280 over Saugahatchee Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying AL38/US280 over Saugahatchee Creek in Lee County, Alabama. It was built in 2000, so it is 25 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 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 6,140 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,076 by 2033. The structure is 262 ft (79.9 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL38/US280
CrossesSaugahatchee Creek
Location2.1 Mi. E SR 147
RouteU.S. Route 280
CountyLee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.65783, -85.45987
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating79.1 US tons
Inventory rating46 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length262 ft (79.9 m)
Longest span98 ft (29.9 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$2.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL38/US280 over Saugahatchee Creek built?

It was built in 2000, making it 25 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL38/US280 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does AL38/US280 over Saugahatchee Creek carry?

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

How long is AL38/US280 over Saugahatchee Creek?

The structure is 262 ft (79.9 m) long with a longest span of 98 ft (29.9 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns AL38/US280 over Saugahatchee Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.