US Bridges

AL-74 over Ragsdale Creek

Good

Marion County, Alabama · 0.3 Mi. East AL-17 · Structure no. 018094

Built
2008
17 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
150 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,055
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-74 over Ragsdale Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying AL-74 over Ragsdale Creek in Marion County, Alabama. It was built in 2008, so it is 17 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 5,055 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,000 by 2040. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 85 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.7 mi (51 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-74
CrossesRagsdale Creek
Location0.3 Mi. East AL-17
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyMarion County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.14131, -87.98319
Functional classRural Minor 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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73.9 US tons
Inventory rating42.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width85 ft (25.9 m)
Roadway width76 ft (23.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,055 (2020)
Projected traffic6,000 by 2040
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.7 mi (51 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$3.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-74 over Ragsdale Creek built?

It was built in 2008, making it 17 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-74 over Ragsdale 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does AL-74 over Ragsdale Creek carry?

About 5,055 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is AL-74 over Ragsdale Creek?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 85 ft wide.

Who owns AL-74 over Ragsdale Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.