US Bridges

Co. 1278 over Seaboard Coast Line RR

Fair

Chambers County, Alabama · 0.5 Mi. S. E. Standing R. · Structure no. 010821

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
150 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,096
2009 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Co. 1278 over Seaboard Coast Line RR is a concrete tee beam carrying Co. 1278 over Seaboard Coast Line RR in Chambers County, Alabama. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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 3,096 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,600 by 2035. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCo. 1278
CrossesSeaboard Coast Line RR
Location0.5 Mi. S. E. Standing R.
RouteCounty Highway 1278
CountyChambers County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.07586, -85.24687
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.1 US tons
Inventory rating31.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.2 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,096 (2009)
Projected traffic4,600 by 2035
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$1.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Co. 1278 over Seaboard Coast Line RR built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is Co. 1278 over Seaboard Coast Line RR 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 Co. 1278 over Seaboard Coast Line RR carry?

About 3,096 vehicles per day (2009 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Co. 1278 over Seaboard Coast Line RR?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Co. 1278 over Seaboard Coast Line RR?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.