US Bridges

Al - 38 West over Coosa River

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · Childersburg · Structure no. 013319

Built
1984
41 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,470 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,090
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 38 West over Coosa River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al - 38 West over Coosa River in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1984, so it is 41 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 10,090 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,272 by 2044. The structure is 1,470 ft (448.1 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 38 West
CrossesCoosa River
LocationChildersburg
RouteU.S. Route 280
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.29291, -86.366
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50.4 US tons
Inventory rating33.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+8 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,470 ft (448.1 m)
Longest span260 ft (79.2 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,090 (2024)
Projected traffic13,272 by 2044
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$14.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 38 West over Coosa River built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 38 West over Coosa River 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does Al - 38 West over Coosa River carry?

About 10,090 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Al - 38 West over Coosa River?

The structure is 1,470 ft (448.1 m) long with a longest span of 260 ft (79.2 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 38 West over Coosa River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.