US Bridges

Al - 74 (us 278) over Big Spring Creek

Poor

Blount County, Alabama · .7 Mi.E.Al 79 · Structure no. 004648

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
50 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,810
2025 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 74 (us 278) over Big Spring Creek is a steel culvert carrying Al - 74 (us 278) over Big Spring Creek in Blount County, Alabama. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 5,810 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,390 by 2045. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 74 (us 278)
CrossesBig Spring Creek
Location.7 Mi.E.Al 79
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.1575, -86.46417
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating63.3 US tons
Inventory rating56.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,810 (2025)
Projected traffic7,390 by 2045
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$560,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 74 (us 278) over Big Spring Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 74 (us 278) over Big Spring Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in January 2025.

How much traffic does Al - 74 (us 278) over Big Spring Creek carry?

About 5,810 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is Al - 74 (us 278) over Big Spring Creek?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns Al - 74 (us 278) over Big Spring Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.