US Bridges

SR 38/US 280 over Four Mile Creek

Fair

Talladega County, Alabama · 1.6 MI E Bon Air RD · Structure no. 013495

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
52 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
23,999
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 38/US 280 over Four Mile Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR 38/US 280 over Four Mile Creek in Talladega 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 23,999 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 33,598 by 2042. The structure is 52 ft (15.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 38/US 280
CrossesFour Mile Creek
Location1.6 MI E Bon Air RD
RouteU.S. Route 280
CountyTalladega County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.23575, -86.32992
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 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 rating72.5 US tons
Inventory rating43.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length52 ft (15.7 m)
Longest span13 ft (3.9 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,999 (2022)
Projected traffic33,598 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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$2.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 38/US 280 over Four Mile Creek built?

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

What condition is SR 38/US 280 over Four Mile Creek 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/US 280 over Four Mile Creek carry?

About 23,999 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is SR 38/US 280 over Four Mile Creek?

The structure is 52 ft (15.7 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (3.9 m).

Who owns SR 38/US 280 over Four Mile Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.