US Bridges

US 278; SR 74 over Big Creek

Fair

Cullman County, Alabama · 1 MI W JCT I65 * US278 · Structure no. 001128

Built
1934
91 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
215 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,349
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278; SR 74 over Big Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 278; SR 74 over Big Creek in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1934, so it is 91 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 15,349 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,489 by 2042. The structure is 215 ft (65.5 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 278; SR 74
CrossesBig Creek
Location1 MI W JCT I65 * US278
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.173, -86.8912
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating63.2 US tons
Inventory rating37.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length215 ft (65.5 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,349 (2022)
Projected traffic21,489 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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 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 US 278; SR 74 over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1934, making it 91 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278; SR 74 over Big 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US 278; SR 74 over Big Creek carry?

About 15,349 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US 278; SR 74 over Big Creek?

The structure is 215 ft (65.5 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns US 278; SR 74 over Big Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.