US Bridges

US 278 over Creek

Good

Etowah County, Alabama · 1.8 Mi.E. Big Cove Ck · Structure no. 016387

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
13,245
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 over Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 278 over 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 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 13,245 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,543 by 2042. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 225 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 278
CrossesCreek
Location1.8 Mi.E. Big Cove Ck
RouteState Highway 74
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.98348, -85.82769
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating67.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width225 ft (68.6 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,245 (2022)
Projected traffic18,543 by 2042
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$1.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278 over Creek built?

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

What condition is US 278 over 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does US 278 over Creek carry?

About 13,245 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 278 over Creek?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 225 ft wide.

Who owns US 278 over Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.