US Bridges

U.S.Hwy 278/SR.74 over Little Cove Creek

Good

Etowah County, Alabama · 2.5 MI East of 431 · Structure no. 018889

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
293 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,666
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

U.S.Hwy 278/SR.74 over Little Cove Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying U.S.Hwy 278/SR.74 over Little Cove Creek in Etowah County, Alabama. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 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 6,666 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,332 by 2042. The structure is 293 ft (89.3 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

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CarriesU.S.Hwy 278/SR.74
CrossesLittle Cove Creek
Location2.5 MI East of 431
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyEtowah County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.99485, -85.92517
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating68.6 US tons
Inventory rating41.1 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 (22.9 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.7 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,666 (2022)
Projected traffic9,332 by 2042
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was U.S.Hwy 278/SR.74 over Little Cove Creek built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is U.S.Hwy 278/SR.74 over Little Cove 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does U.S.Hwy 278/SR.74 over Little Cove Creek carry?

About 6,666 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is U.S.Hwy 278/SR.74 over Little Cove Creek?

The structure is 293 ft (89.3 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns U.S.Hwy 278/SR.74 over Little Cove Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.