US Bridges

SR 281 over AL4/US 78

Good

Cleburne County, Alabama · 1.0 MI E Calhoun CO Line · Structure no. 012236

Built
1979
46 years old
Condition
Good
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
242 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
95
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 281 over AL4/US 78 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 281 over AL4/US 78 in Cleburne County, Alabama. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 95 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 133 by 2042. The structure is 242 ft (73.8 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 281
CrossesAL4/US 78
Location1.0 MI E Calhoun CO Line
RouteState Highway 281
CountyCleburne County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.64554, -85.63073
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55.8 US tons
Inventory rating33.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length242 ft (73.8 m)
Longest span127 ft (38.7 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic95 (2022)
Projected traffic133 by 2042
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
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$2.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 281 over AL4/US 78 built?

It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 281 over AL4/US 78 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in September 2023.

How much traffic does SR 281 over AL4/US 78 carry?

About 95 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SR 281 over AL4/US 78?

The structure is 242 ft (73.8 m) long with a longest span of 127 ft (38.7 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns SR 281 over AL4/US 78?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.