US Bridges

US 278 over Indian Creek

Good

Cullman County, Alabama · 5.5 MI E JCT SR 69 · Structure no. 002593

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
8,205
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 over Indian Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 278 over Indian Creek in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1941, 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 8,205 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,487 by 2042. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

CarriesUS 278
CrossesIndian Creek
Location5.5 MI E JCT SR 69
RouteU.S. Route 278
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.17167, -86.69833
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,205 (2022)
Projected traffic11,487 by 2042
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
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$1.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278 over Indian Creek built?

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

What condition is US 278 over Indian Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does US 278 over Indian Creek carry?

About 8,205 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 278 over Indian Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m).

Who owns US 278 over Indian Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.