US Bridges

Co. Hwy. 280 over Branch

Good

Shelby County, Alabama · .3 MI East CO 39 · Structure no. 000936

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,000
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Hwy. 280 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Co. Hwy. 280 over Branch in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,000 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,400 by 2044. The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCo. Hwy. 280
CrossesBranch
Location.3 MI East CO 39
RouteCounty Highway 280
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.35457, -86.6061
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating96 US tons
Inventory rating57 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,000 (2024)
Projected traffic1,400 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$497,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Hwy. 280 over Branch built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. Hwy. 280 over Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does Co. Hwy. 280 over Branch carry?

About 1,000 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Co. Hwy. 280 over Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Co. Hwy. 280 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.