US Bridges

SR4/US78 over Coldwater Creek

Fair

Calhoun County, Alabama · 4.2 MI East JCT SR 202 · Structure no. 004276

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
170 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
9,834
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR4/US78 over Coldwater Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SR4/US78 over Coldwater Creek in Calhoun County, Alabama. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 9,834 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,767 by 2042. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR4/US78
CrossesColdwater Creek
Location4.2 MI East JCT SR 202
RouteU.S. Route 78
CountyCalhoun County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.59628, -85.9235
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.7 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,834 (2022)
Projected traffic13,767 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$1.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR4/US78 over Coldwater Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR4/US78 over Coldwater 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does SR4/US78 over Coldwater Creek carry?

About 9,834 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR4/US78 over Coldwater Creek?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns SR4/US78 over Coldwater Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.