US Bridges

US 278; SR 74 over Stream

Fair

Cullman County, Alabama · 0.8 MI W JCT SR91 * US278 · Structure no. 002595

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,842
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278; SR 74 over Stream is a concrete slab carrying US 278; SR 74 over Stream 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 6,842 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,579 by 2042. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 278; SR 74
CrossesStream
Location0.8 MI W JCT SR91 * US278
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.17456, -86.62951
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating27 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3.2 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.6 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,842 (2022)
Projected traffic9,579 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$580,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278; SR 74 over Stream built?

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

What condition is US 278; SR 74 over Stream 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; SR 74 over Stream carry?

About 6,842 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 278; SR 74 over Stream?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3.2 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns US 278; SR 74 over Stream?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.