US Bridges

US 278 over Browns Creek

Fair

Etowah County, Alabama · 2 Mi. West Al 77 · Structure no. 004508

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1953
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
92 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,886
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 over Browns Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 278 over Browns Creek in Etowah County, Alabama. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1953, so it is 90 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 7,886 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,040 by 2041. The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 278
CrossesBrowns Creek
Location2 Mi. West Al 77
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyEtowah County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.045, -86.15667
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48.9 US tons
Inventory rating29.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length92 ft (28 m)
Longest span31 ft (9.4 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,886 (2021)
Projected traffic11,040 by 2041
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$787,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278 over Browns Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1953.

What condition is US 278 over Browns Creek 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does US 278 over Browns Creek carry?

About 7,886 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US 278 over Browns Creek?

The structure is 92 ft (28 m) long with a longest span of 31 ft (9.4 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns US 278 over Browns Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.