US Bridges

US278;SR74 over Brindley Creek

Good

Cullman County, Alabama · .7MI E JCT SR157*US278 · Structure no. 018642

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Good
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
233 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
5,648
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US278;SR74 over Brindley Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US278;SR74 over Brindley Creek in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 5,648 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,907 by 2042. The structure is 233 ft (71 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS278;SR74
CrossesBrindley Creek
Location.7MI E JCT SR157*US278
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.18278, -86.77366
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.3 US tons
Inventory rating46.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length233 ft (71 m)
Longest span125 ft (38.1 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,648 (2022)
Projected traffic7,907 by 2042
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$2.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US278;SR74 over Brindley Creek built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is US278;SR74 over Brindley Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in November 2023.

How much traffic does US278;SR74 over Brindley Creek carry?

About 5,648 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US278;SR74 over Brindley Creek?

The structure is 233 ft (71 m) long with a longest span of 125 ft (38.1 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US278;SR74 over Brindley Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.