US Bridges

US278; SR74; SR69 over CSX Railroad

FairPosted for load

Cullman County, Alabama · JCT CSX RR * US278;SR69 · Structure no. 007755

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
105 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
17,108
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US278; SR74; SR69 over CSX Railroad is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying US278; SR74; SR69 over CSX Railroad in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 17,108 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,951 by 2042. The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long and 66 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesUS278; SR74; SR69
CrossesCSX Railroad
LocationJCT CSX RR * US278;SR69
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.1755, -86.8423
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating38.6 US tons
Inventory rating23.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length105 ft (32 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width66 ft (20.2 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,108 (2022)
Projected traffic23,951 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed—
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 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US278; SR74; SR69 over CSX Railroad built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is US278; SR74; SR69 over CSX Railroad 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 US278; SR74; SR69 over CSX Railroad carry?

About 17,108 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US278; SR74; SR69 over CSX Railroad?

The structure is 105 ft (32 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns US278; SR74; SR69 over CSX Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.