US Bridges

AL38 / US280 over Norfolk Southern R/R

Good

Talladega County, Alabama · Town of Childersburg · Structure no. 021207

Built
2019
6 years old
Condition
Good
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
167 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
24,518
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL38 / US280 over Norfolk Southern R/R is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying AL38 / US280 over Norfolk Southern R/R in Talladega County, Alabama. It was built in 2019, so it is 6 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 24,518 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 34,325 by 2041. The structure is 167 ft (51 m) long and 92 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL38 / US280
CrossesNorfolk Southern R/R
LocationTown of Childersburg
RouteU.S. Route 280
CountyTalladega County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.27794, -86.3595
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating92.2 US tons
Inventory rating59.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length167 ft (51 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width92 ft (28 m)
Roadway width82 ft (24.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,518 (2021)
Projected traffic34,325 by 2041
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$4.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was AL38 / US280 over Norfolk Southern R/R built?

It was built in 2019, making it 6 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL38 / US280 over Norfolk Southern R/R 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does AL38 / US280 over Norfolk Southern R/R carry?

About 24,518 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is AL38 / US280 over Norfolk Southern R/R?

The structure is 167 ft (51 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 92 ft wide.

Who owns AL38 / US280 over Norfolk Southern R/R?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.