US Bridges

US 278; SR 74 over Duck Creek

Fair

Cullman County, Alabama · 5.6 MI E JCT SR69 * US278 · Structure no. 002594

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
288 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,205
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278; SR 74 over Duck Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 278; SR 74 over Duck 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 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 8,205 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,487 by 2042. The structure is 288 ft (87.9 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 278; SR 74
CrossesDuck Creek
Location5.6 MI E JCT SR69 * US278
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.17167, -86.69667
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.3 US tons
Inventory rating24.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+3 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length288 ft (87.9 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,205 (2022)
Projected traffic11,487 by 2042
Trucks8%
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 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 Duck Creek built?

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

What condition is US 278; SR 74 over Duck 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 November 2023.

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

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

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

The structure is 288 ft (87.9 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns US 278; SR 74 over Duck Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.