US Bridges

Al - 38 (us 280) over Branch

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · .3 Mi. W CO RD 55 · Structure no. 011652

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
19,210
2022 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 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 19,210 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,268 by 2042. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 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
Location.3 Mi. W CO RD 55
RouteU.S. Route 280
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.35, -86.54163
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 spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,210 (2022)
Projected traffic25,268 by 2042
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 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 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 May 2023.

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

About 19,210 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

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

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

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

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.