US Bridges

SR4/US278 over Trib. to Ballplay Creek

Fair

Calhoun County, Alabama · 1.4 MI W JCT Co. Rd. 19 · Structure no. 000918

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,506
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR4/US278 over Trib. to Ballplay Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR4/US278 over Trib. to Ballplay Creek in Calhoun County, Alabama. It was built in 1931, so it is 94 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 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 3,506 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,908 by 2042. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR4/US278
CrossesTrib. to Ballplay Creek
Location1.4 MI W JCT Co. Rd. 19
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyCalhoun County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.96035, -85.73698
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 inspectionOctober 2023
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating80.4 US tons
Inventory rating53.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,506 (2022)
Projected traffic4,908 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$263,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR4/US278 over Trib. to Ballplay Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR4/US278 over Trib. to Ballplay 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does SR4/US278 over Trib. to Ballplay Creek carry?

About 3,506 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR4/US278 over Trib. to Ballplay Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR4/US278 over Trib. to Ballplay Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.