US Bridges

US 278 over Lick Creek

Fair

Cullman County, Alabama · 3.7 MI E JCT SR69 * US278 · Structure no. 002592

Built
1941
84 years old, rebuilt 1997
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
9,843
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 over Lick Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 278 over Lick Creek in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1941 and reconstructed in 1997, so it is 84 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 9,843 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,780 by 2042. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 278
CrossesLick Creek
Location3.7 MI E JCT SR69 * US278
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.17667, -86.72833
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length24 ft (7.3 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 traffic9,843 (2022)
Projected traffic13,780 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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$3.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278 over Lick Creek built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1997.

What condition is US 278 over Lick 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 Lick Creek carry?

About 9,843 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 278 over Lick Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 278 over Lick Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.