US Bridges

Al - 4 (us 78) over Abes Ck

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · .5 Mi.W. Cahaba River · Structure no. 004769

Built
1954
71 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
36 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,800
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 4 (us 78) over Abes Ck is a concrete culvert carrying Al - 4 (us 78) over Abes Ck in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1954, so it is 71 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 5 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 8,800 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,349 by 2044. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 4 (us 78)
CrossesAbes Ck
Location.5 Mi.W. Cahaba River
RouteU.S. Route 78
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.5485, -86.62302
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,800 (2024)
Projected traffic11,349 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$2.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 4 (us 78) over Abes Ck built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 4 (us 78) over Abes Ck 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Al - 4 (us 78) over Abes Ck carry?

About 8,800 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Al - 4 (us 78) over Abes Ck?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Al - 4 (us 78) over Abes Ck?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.