US Bridges

Al - 4 (us 78) over Shades Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · Kilgore Mem. Drive · Structure no. 012677

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 1982
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
56 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
10,930
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 4 (us 78) over Shades Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Al - 4 (us 78) over Shades Creek in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 1982, so it is 70 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 10,930 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,096 by 2044. The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesAl - 4 (us 78)
CrossesShades Creek
LocationKilgore Mem. Drive
RouteU.S. Route 78
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.53487, -86.69994
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.6 US tons
Inventory rating24.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length56 ft (17.1 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 traffic10,930 (2024)
Projected traffic14,096 by 2044
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$5.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 4 (us 78) over Shades Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1982.

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

How much traffic does Al - 4 (us 78) over Shades Creek carry?

About 10,930 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Al - 4 (us 78) over Shades Creek?

The structure is 56 ft (17.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Al - 4 (us 78) over Shades Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.