US Bridges

Al - 5 (us 78) over Second Creek

Fair

Jefferson County, Alabama · @ Adamsville City Limits · Structure no. 014332

Built
1939
86 years old, rebuilt 1988
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
34,980
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 5 (us 78) over Second Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Al - 5 (us 78) over Second Creek in Jefferson County, Alabama. It was built in 1939 and reconstructed in 1988, so it is 86 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 34,980 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 43,795 by 2044. The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 5 (us 78)
CrossesSecond Creek
Location@ Adamsville City Limits
RouteState Highway 5
CountyJefferson County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.57379, -86.90503
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73.9 US tons
Inventory rating44.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length24 ft (7.3 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 traffic34,980 (2024)
Projected traffic43,795 by 2044
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkNon-Interstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$5.2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 5 (us 78) over Second Creek built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1988.

What condition is Al - 5 (us 78) over Second 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 - 5 (us 78) over Second Creek carry?

About 34,980 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Al - 5 (us 78) over Second Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Al - 5 (us 78) over Second Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.