US Bridges

SR38/US 280 over North Fork Sandy Creek

Fair

Tallapoosa County, Alabama · 1.3 MI N JCT SR 50 · Structure no. 000525

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
62 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
13,353
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR38/US 280 over North Fork Sandy Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR38/US 280 over North Fork Sandy Creek in Tallapoosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 13,353 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,694 by 2042. The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR38/US 280
CrossesNorth Fork Sandy Creek
Location1.3 MI N JCT SR 50
RouteU.S. Route 280
CountyTallapoosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.79933, -85.68944
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionApril 2024
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 rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length62 ft (18.9 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,353 (2022)
Projected traffic18,694 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 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$3.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR38/US 280 over North Fork Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR38/US 280 over North Fork Sandy 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does SR38/US 280 over North Fork Sandy Creek carry?

About 13,353 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is SR38/US 280 over North Fork Sandy Creek?

The structure is 62 ft (18.9 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns SR38/US 280 over North Fork Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.