US Bridges

US 278 over Rock Creek

Fair

Cullman County, Alabama · 6.4 MI W JCT I 65 · Structure no. 001280

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,142
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 over Rock Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 278 over Rock Creek in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 90 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 7,142 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,999 by 2042. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 278
CrossesRock Creek
Location6.4 MI W JCT I 65
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.195, -86.97167
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 inspectionOctober 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 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 traffic7,142 (2022)
Projected traffic9,999 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$813,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278 over Rock Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is US 278 over Rock 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does US 278 over Rock Creek carry?

About 7,142 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US 278 over Rock Creek?

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

Who owns US 278 over Rock Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.