US Bridges

SR4/US78 over Rocky Branch

Fair

Cleburne County, Alabama · 1.8 MI E Calhoun CO Line · Structure no. 000588

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,413
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR4/US78 over Rocky Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR4/US78 over Rocky Branch in Cleburne County, Alabama. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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 4,413 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,178 by 2041. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR4/US78
CrossesRocky Branch
Location1.8 MI E Calhoun CO Line
RouteU.S. Route 78
CountyCleburne County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.64372, -85.6187
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80.1 US tons
Inventory rating17.2 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 traffic4,413 (2021)
Projected traffic6,178 by 2041
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$270,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR4/US78 over Rocky Branch built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR4/US78 over Rocky 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does SR4/US78 over Rocky Branch carry?

About 4,413 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR4/US78 over Rocky Branch?

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

Who owns SR4/US78 over Rocky Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.