US Bridges

US280(SR38) over US 231(SR21)

Fair

Talladega County, Alabama · Int US 280 / US 231 · Structure no. 011433

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
264 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,648
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US280(SR38) over US 231(SR21) is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US280(SR38) over US 231(SR21) in Talladega County, Alabama. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 6,648 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,307 by 2042. The structure is 264 ft (80.5 m) long and 41 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS280(SR38)
CrossesUS 231(SR21)
LocationInt US 280 / US 231
RouteU.S. Route 280
CountyTalladega County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.14433, -86.25731
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating76.4 US tons
Inventory rating45.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length264 ft (80.5 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,648 (2022)
Projected traffic9,307 by 2042
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$2.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US280(SR38) over US 231(SR21) built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is US280(SR38) over US 231(SR21) 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 US280(SR38) over US 231(SR21) carry?

About 6,648 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US280(SR38) over US 231(SR21)?

The structure is 264 ft (80.5 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns US280(SR38) over US 231(SR21)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.