US Bridges

US 278;SR74 over Stream

Fair

Cullman County, Alabama · 2.3 MI E JCT SR 91*US278 · Structure no. 003484

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 2015
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
50 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,626
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278;SR74 over Stream is a concrete culvert carrying US 278;SR74 over Stream in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 2015, so it is 76 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 6,626 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,276 by 2043. The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 278;SR74
CrossesStream
Location2.3 MI E JCT SR 91*US278
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.17333, -86.57833
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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length50 ft (15.2 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,626 (2023)
Projected traffic9,276 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 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$1.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278;SR74 over Stream built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2015.

What condition is US 278;SR74 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does US 278;SR74 over Stream carry?

About 6,626 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 278;SR74 over Stream?

The structure is 50 ft (15.2 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m).

Who owns US 278;SR74 over Stream?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.