US Bridges

Al - 38 (us 280) over Poplar Creek

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · 0.3 MI E CO RD 43 · Structure no. 012019

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
58 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
31,130
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 38 (us 280) over Poplar Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Al - 38 (us 280) over Poplar Creek 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 31,130 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 40,947 by 2044. The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesAl - 38 (us 280)
CrossesPoplar Creek
Location0.3 MI E CO RD 43
RouteU.S. Route 280
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.35277, -86.64658
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 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 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length58 ft (17.7 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 traffic31,130 (2024)
Projected traffic40,947 by 2044
Trucks12%
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$4.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

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

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

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

About 31,130 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

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

The structure is 58 ft (17.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Al - 38 (us 280) over Poplar Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.