US Bridges

US 278 over Little Cove Creek

Fair

Etowah County, Alabama · 2.5MILES East of 431 · Structure no. 016384

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
293 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,255
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 over Little Cove Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 278 over Little Cove Creek in Etowah County, Alabama. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 years old, younger 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 14,255 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,957 by 2042. The structure is 293 ft (89.3 m) long and 55 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 278
CrossesLittle Cove Creek
Location2.5MILES East of 431
RouteState Highway 278
CountyEtowah County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.99504, -85.92499
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating69 US tons
Inventory rating41.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length293 ft (89.3 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.8 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.7 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deck25 ft (7.6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,255 (2022)
Projected traffic19,957 by 2042
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278 over Little Cove Creek built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278 over Little Cove 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does US 278 over Little Cove Creek carry?

About 14,255 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 278 over Little Cove Creek?

The structure is 293 ft (89.3 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.8 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns US 278 over Little Cove Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.