US Bridges

SR74/US278 over Mill Creek

Fair

Calhoun County, Alabama · 0.2 MI E JCT SR 200 · Structure no. 006665

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
52 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
6,276
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR74/US278 over Mill Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR74/US278 over Mill Creek in Calhoun County, Alabama. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 6,276 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,786 by 2042. The structure is 52 ft (16 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR74/US278
CrossesMill Creek
Location0.2 MI E JCT SR 200
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyCalhoun County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.93183, -85.61867
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.1 US tons
Inventory rating24.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadH 20
Structure length52 ft (16 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 traffic6,276 (2022)
Projected traffic8,786 by 2042
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR74/US278 over Mill Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR74/US278 over Mill 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 SR74/US278 over Mill Creek carry?

About 6,276 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is SR74/US278 over Mill Creek?

The structure is 52 ft (16 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR74/US278 over Mill Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.