US Bridges

Al - 38 East over Scl RR

Fair

Shelby County, Alabama · US 280 * Scl RR · Structure no. 013647

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
162 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,810
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 38 East over Scl RR is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al - 38 East over Scl RR in Shelby County, Alabama. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 8,810 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,588 by 2043. The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

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CarriesAl - 38 East
CrossesScl RR
LocationUS 280 * Scl RR
RouteU.S. Route 280
CountyShelby County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.34682, -86.45138
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73 US tons
Inventory rating41 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length162 ft (49.4 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,810 (2023)
Projected traffic11,588 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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$1.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 38 East over Scl RR built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 38 East over Scl RR 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Al - 38 East over Scl RR carry?

About 8,810 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Al - 38 East over Scl RR?

The structure is 162 ft (49.4 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 38 East over Scl RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.