US Bridges

Al - 38 (us 280) over N Fork of Yellow Leaf Ck

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · 0.1 MI E.Jct CO RD 41 · Structure no. 012018

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
46 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
31,530
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 38 (us 280) over N Fork of Yellow Leaf Ck is a concrete culvert carrying Al - 38 (us 280) over N Fork of Yellow Leaf Ck in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 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 31,530 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 41,473 by 2044. The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesAl - 38 (us 280)
CrossesN Fork of Yellow Leaf Ck
Location0.1 MI E.Jct CO RD 41
RouteU.S. Route 280
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.36878, -86.66212
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length46 ft (14 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 traffic31,530 (2024)
Projected traffic41,473 by 2044
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$4.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 38 (us 280) over N Fork of Yellow Leaf Ck built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 38 (us 280) over N Fork of Yellow Leaf Ck 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Al - 38 (us 280) over N Fork of Yellow Leaf Ck carry?

About 31,530 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Al - 38 (us 280) over N Fork of Yellow Leaf Ck?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Al - 38 (us 280) over N Fork of Yellow Leaf Ck?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.