US Bridges

Al - 74 (us 278) over Branch

Fair

Blount County, Alabama · 0.1 MI E JCT 231 · Structure no. 016202

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,700
2025 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 74 (us 278) over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Al - 74 (us 278) over Branch in Blount County, Alabama. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 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 6,700 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,522 by 2045. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesAl - 74 (us 278)
CrossesBranch
Location0.1 MI E JCT 231
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyBlount County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.16583, -86.51444
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 inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating59.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 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 traffic6,700 (2025)
Projected traffic8,522 by 2045
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$1.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 74 (us 278) over Branch built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 74 (us 278) over 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does Al - 74 (us 278) over Branch carry?

About 6,700 vehicles per day (2025 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is Al - 74 (us 278) over Branch?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns Al - 74 (us 278) over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.