US Bridges

Al 74 / US 278 over Kugler Creek

Good

Cullman County, Alabama · 3.8 MI W of I-65/AL74 · Structure no. 019834

Built
2011
14 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
1,122 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
7,881
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al 74 / US 278 over Kugler Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al 74 / US 278 over Kugler Creek in Cullman County, Alabama. It was built in 2011, so it is 14 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 7,881 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,033 by 2042. The structure is 1,122 ft (342 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesAl 74 / US 278
CrossesKugler Creek
Location3.8 MI W of I-65/AL74
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyCullman County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.19306, -86.92972
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 inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating93 US tons
Inventory rating55.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,122 ft (342 m)
Longest span210 ft (64 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,881 (2022)
Projected traffic11,033 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$11.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al 74 / US 278 over Kugler Creek built?

It was built in 2011, making it 14 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al 74 / US 278 over Kugler 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does Al 74 / US 278 over Kugler Creek carry?

About 7,881 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Al 74 / US 278 over Kugler Creek?

The structure is 1,122 ft (342 m) long with a longest span of 210 ft (64 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Al 74 / US 278 over Kugler Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.