US Bridges

SR38 / US 280 over Tar Water Branch

Fair

Talladega County, Alabama · 2.8 MI N JCT Ala 21 · Structure no. 007987

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
42 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
20,051
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR38 / US 280 over Tar Water Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR38 / US 280 over Tar Water Branch in Talladega County, Alabama. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 years old, older 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 20,051 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,071 by 2041. The structure is 42 ft (12.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR38 / US 280
CrossesTar Water Branch
Location2.8 MI N JCT Ala 21
RouteU.S. Route 280
CountyTalladega County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.1733, -86.286
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.2 US tons
Inventory rating46.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length42 ft (12.7 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 traffic20,051 (2021)
Projected traffic28,071 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR38 / US 280 over Tar Water Branch built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR38 / US 280 over Tar Water Branch 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 SR38 / US 280 over Tar Water Branch carry?

About 20,051 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR38 / US 280 over Tar Water Branch?

The structure is 42 ft (12.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR38 / US 280 over Tar Water Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.