US Bridges

US 278; SR 74 over Crooked Creek

Fair

Cullman County, Alabama · 9.8 MI W JCT I65 * US278 · Structure no. 001617

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
300 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,901
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278; SR 74 over Crooked Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 278; SR 74 over Crooked Creek in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1937, so it is 88 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 5,901 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,261 by 2042. The structure is 300 ft (91.4 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
CrossesCrooked Creek
Location9.8 MI W JCT I65 * US278
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.20436, -87.02303
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.7 US tons
Inventory rating29.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length300 ft (91.4 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,901 (2022)
Projected traffic8,261 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$2.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278; SR 74 over Crooked Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278; SR 74 over Crooked 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 Crooked Creek carry?

About 5,901 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

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

The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns US 278; SR 74 over Crooked Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.