US Bridges

SR38 / US280 over Eastern Alabama R/R

Fair

Talladega County, Alabama · 2.2 MI N JCT Ala 21 · Structure no. 007989

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
192 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,712
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR38 / US280 over Eastern Alabama R/R is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying SR38 / US280 over Eastern Alabama R/R 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 5 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 10,712 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,997 by 2042. The structure is 192 ft (58.5 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR38 / US280
CrossesEastern Alabama R/R
Location2.2 MI N JCT Ala 21
RouteU.S. Route 280
CountyTalladega County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.16786, -86.27931
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.1 US tons
Inventory rating30.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length192 ft (58.5 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,712 (2022)
Projected traffic14,997 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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$1.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR38 / US280 over Eastern Alabama R/R built?

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

What condition is SR38 / US280 over Eastern Alabama R/R 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does SR38 / US280 over Eastern Alabama R/R carry?

About 10,712 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR38 / US280 over Eastern Alabama R/R?

The structure is 192 ft (58.5 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns SR38 / US280 over Eastern Alabama R/R?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.