US Bridges

US 278; SR 74 over I-65

Fair

Cullman County, Alabama · JCT I-65 * US 278 · Structure no. 007092

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
265 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
17,496
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278; SR 74 over I-65 is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying US 278; SR 74 over I-65 in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 1994, so it is 65 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 17,496 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,494 by 2043. The structure is 265 ft (80.8 m) long and 50 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 278; SR 74
CrossesI-65
LocationJCT I-65 * US 278
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.17058, -86.87487
Functional classUrban 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.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50.9 US tons
Inventory rating30.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length265 ft (80.8 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.3 m)
Deck width50 ft (15.3 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,496 (2023)
Projected traffic24,494 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$3.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278; SR 74 over I-65 built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is US 278; SR 74 over I-65 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 278; SR 74 over I-65 carry?

About 17,496 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 278; SR 74 over I-65?

The structure is 265 ft (80.8 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.3 m) and a deck 50 ft wide.

Who owns US 278; SR 74 over I-65?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.