US Bridges

Al - 38 (us 280) over Popular Springs

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · 2.2 Mi. E. CO RD 55 · Structure no. 011656

Built
1976
49 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
18,150
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 38 (us 280) over Popular Springs is a concrete culvert carrying Al - 38 (us 280) over Popular Springs 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 18,150 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,874 by 2042. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 38 (us 280)
CrossesPopular Springs
Location2.2 Mi. E. CO RD 55
RouteU.S. Route 280
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.35756, -86.49959
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable 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 length28 ft (8.5 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 traffic18,150 (2022)
Projected traffic23,874 by 2042
Trucks15%
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$2.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

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

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

What condition is Al - 38 (us 280) over Popular Springs 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 2023.

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

About 18,150 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

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

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m).

Who owns Al - 38 (us 280) over Popular Springs?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.