US Bridges

Al - 38 (us 280) over Branch

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · US 280 @ CO RD 47 · Structure no. 011531

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1976
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
32,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 38 (us 280) over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Al - 38 (us 280) over Branch in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1976, 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 32,800 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 43,144 by 2043. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

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CarriesAl - 38 (us 280)
CrossesBranch
LocationUS 280 @ CO RD 47
RouteU.S. Route 280
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.34897, -86.62636
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 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 traffic32,800 (2023)
Projected traffic43,144 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate 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$2.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 38 (us 280) over Branch built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1976.

What condition is Al - 38 (us 280) over Branch 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 Al - 38 (us 280) over Branch carry?

About 32,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Al - 38 (us 280) over Branch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Al - 38 (us 280) over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.