US Bridges

SR 69; SR 74 over Eight Mile Creek

Fair

Cullman County, Alabama · 1.3 MI E JCT SR 69 * US31 · Structure no. 002711

Built
1942
83 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
326 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
15,349
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 69; SR 74 over Eight Mile Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 69; SR 74 over Eight Mile Creek in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1942, so it is 83 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 15,349 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,489 by 2042. The structure is 326 ft (99.4 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 29.2 mi (47 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 69; SR 74
CrossesEight Mile Creek
Location1.3 MI E JCT SR 69 * US31
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.18131, -86.82356
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating44.1 US tons
Inventory rating26.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+5 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length326 ft (99.4 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,349 (2022)
Projected traffic21,489 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed29.2 mi (47 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$2.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 69; SR 74 over Eight Mile Creek built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 69; SR 74 over Eight Mile 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does SR 69; SR 74 over Eight Mile Creek carry?

About 15,349 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR 69; SR 74 over Eight Mile Creek?

The structure is 326 ft (99.4 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns SR 69; SR 74 over Eight Mile Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.