US Bridges

Al - 38 (us 280) over Branch

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · 2 TH MI E CO RD 51 · Structure no. 011650

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
35 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
19,210
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 1976, so it is 49 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 5 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 19,210 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,268 by 2043. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesAl - 38 (us 280)
CrossesBranch
Location2 TH MI E CO RD 51
RouteU.S. Route 280
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.34901, -86.55688
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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,210 (2023)
Projected traffic25,268 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 1976, making it 49 years old in 2025.

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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Al - 38 (us 280) over Branch carry?

About 19,210 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

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

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m).

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

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.