US Bridges

Al - 4 (us 78) over Norfolk Southern

Fair

St. Clair County, Alabama · US 78 * N/S RR · Structure no. 000473

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
42 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,170
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 4 (us 78) over Norfolk Southern is a concrete tee beam carrying Al - 4 (us 78) over Norfolk Southern in St. Clair County, Alabama. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 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 3,170 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,088 by 2043. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 4 (us 78)
CrossesNorfolk Southern
LocationUS 78 * N/S RR
RouteU.S. Route 78
CountySt. Clair County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.5733, -86.45187
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating71.8 US tons
Inventory rating43 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span42 ft (12.8 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,170 (2023)
Projected traffic4,088 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$398,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 4 (us 78) over Norfolk Southern built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 4 (us 78) over Norfolk Southern 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does Al - 4 (us 78) over Norfolk Southern carry?

About 3,170 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Al - 4 (us 78) over Norfolk Southern?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 42 ft (12.8 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 4 (us 78) over Norfolk Southern?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.