US Bridges

Al - 74 over Mill Branch

Fair

Blount County, Alabama · 0.8 MI W JCT CO RD 35 · Structure no. 004649

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,590
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 74 over Mill Branch is a steel culvert carrying Al - 74 over Mill Branch 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 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 6,590 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,382 by 2043. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 74
CrossesMill Branch
Location0.8 MI W JCT CO RD 35
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.13611, -86.42833
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 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 traffic6,590 (2023)
Projected traffic8,382 by 2043
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$589,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 74 over Mill Branch built?

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

What condition is Al - 74 over Mill Branch 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 2023.

How much traffic does Al - 74 over Mill Branch carry?

About 6,590 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is Al - 74 over Mill Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns Al - 74 over Mill Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.