US Bridges

AL-74 over Buttahatchee River

Good

Marion County, Alabama · 1.1 MI E JCT US-43 · Structure no. 018587

Built
2015
10 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
365 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,000
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-74 over Buttahatchee River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying AL-74 over Buttahatchee River in Marion County, Alabama. It was built in 2015, so it is 10 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,000 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,000 by 2041. The structure is 365 ft (111.3 m) long and 84 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-74
CrossesButtahatchee River
Location1.1 MI E JCT US-43
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyMarion County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.14333, -87.97017
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating55.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length365 ft (111.3 m)
Longest span135 ft (41.1 m)
Deck width84 ft (25.7 m)
Roadway width81 ft (24.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,000 (2020)
Projected traffic5,000 by 2041
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 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$7.6 million (2020 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-74 over Buttahatchee River built?

It was built in 2015, making it 10 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-74 over Buttahatchee River 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 Buttahatchee River carry?

About 4,000 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is AL-74 over Buttahatchee River?

The structure is 365 ft (111.3 m) long with a longest span of 135 ft (41.1 m) and a deck 84 ft wide.

Who owns AL-74 over Buttahatchee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.