US Bridges

SR38/US280 over Tallapoosa River

Fair

Tallapoosa County, Alabama · 1 MI E Alex City · Structure no. 010036

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
1,036 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
17,661
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR38/US280 over Tallapoosa River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR38/US280 over Tallapoosa River in Tallapoosa County, Alabama. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 years old, older 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 5 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 17,661 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,725 by 2043. The structure is 1,036 ft (315.8 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 42.3 mi (68 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR38/US280
CrossesTallapoosa River
Location1 MI E Alex City
RouteU.S. Route 280
CountyTallapoosa County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.90059, -85.88872
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.1 US tons
Inventory rating29.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,036 ft (315.8 m)
Longest span152 ft (46.3 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.6 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,661 (2023)
Projected traffic24,725 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed42.3 mi (68 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$15.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR38/US280 over Tallapoosa River built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR38/US280 over Tallapoosa River 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SR38/US280 over Tallapoosa River carry?

About 17,661 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR38/US280 over Tallapoosa River?

The structure is 1,036 ft (315.8 m) long with a longest span of 152 ft (46.3 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns SR38/US280 over Tallapoosa River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.