US Bridges

SR 38/US280 over Branch

Fair

Talladega County, Alabama · City of Childerburg · Structure no. 009214

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1967
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
26,597
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 38/US280 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 38/US280 over Branch in Talladega County, Alabama. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1967, so it is 90 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 26,597 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 37,235 by 2042. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 38/US280
CrossesBranch
LocationCity of Childerburg
RouteU.S. Route 38
CountyTalladega County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.27461, -86.35807
Functional classUrban Minor 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 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 rating98 US tons
Inventory rating81.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic26,597 (2022)
Projected traffic37,235 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 38/US280 over Branch built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1967.

What condition is SR 38/US280 over 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does SR 38/US280 over Branch carry?

About 26,597 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR 38/US280 over Branch?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.4 m).

Who owns SR 38/US280 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.