US Bridges

Co. Hwy. 280 over N. Fork of Muddy Prong

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · 300 East CO 51 · Structure no. 000939

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
642
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. Hwy. 280 over N. Fork of Muddy Prong is a concrete culvert carrying Co. Hwy. 280 over N. Fork of Muddy Prong 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 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 642 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 898 by 2044. The structure is 21 ft (6.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesCo. Hwy. 280
CrossesN. Fork of Muddy Prong
Location300 East CO 51
RouteCounty Highway 280
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.35717, -86.54795
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.5 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 traffic642 (2024)
Projected traffic898 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$259,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. Hwy. 280 over N. Fork of Muddy Prong built?

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

What condition is Co. Hwy. 280 over N. Fork of Muddy Prong 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Co. Hwy. 280 over N. Fork of Muddy Prong carry?

About 642 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Co. Hwy. 280 over N. Fork of Muddy Prong?

The structure is 21 ft (6.5 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Co. Hwy. 280 over N. Fork of Muddy Prong?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.