US Bridges

SR38 / US280 over Tar Water Branch

Good

Talladega County, Alabama · 2.79 MI N JCT Al 21 · Structure no. 016419

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
21,424
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR38 / US280 over Tar Water Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR38 / US280 over Tar Water Branch in Talladega County, Alabama. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 21,424 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,993 by 2042. The structure is 31 ft (9.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesSR38 / US280
CrossesTar Water Branch
Location2.79 MI N JCT Al 21
RouteU.S. Route 280
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.1731, -86.2858
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length31 ft (9.5 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 traffic21,424 (2022)
Projected traffic29,993 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR38 / US280 over Tar Water Branch built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR38 / US280 over Tar Water Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does SR38 / US280 over Tar Water Branch carry?

About 21,424 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR38 / US280 over Tar Water Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.5 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR38 / US280 over Tar Water Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.