US Bridges

SR4 / US78 over Cahulga Creek

Fair

Cleburne County, Alabama · 2.6 MI E Calhoun Co. Line · Structure no. 014188

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
57 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,413
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR4 / US78 over Cahulga Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR4 / US78 over Cahulga Creek in Cleburne County, Alabama. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 years old, younger 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 57 ft (17.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesSR4 / US78
CrossesCahulga Creek
Location2.6 MI E Calhoun Co. Line
RouteState Highway 4
CountyCleburne County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.63948, -85.60748
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating70.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length57 ft (17.5 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 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 closed3.7 mi (6 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 Cahulga Creek built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR4 / US78 over Cahulga 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 April 2023.

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

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

How long is SR4 / US78 over Cahulga Creek?

The structure is 57 ft (17.5 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns SR4 / US78 over Cahulga Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.