US Bridges

Al - 4 (us 78) over Ram Horn Branch

Fair

St. Clair County, Alabama · US 78 * Ram Horn Branch · Structure no. 000596

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,270
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 4 (us 78) over Ram Horn Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Al - 4 (us 78) over Ram Horn Branch in St. Clair County, Alabama. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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 1,270 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,638 by 2044. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 4 (us 78)
CrossesRam Horn Branch
LocationUS 78 * Ram Horn Branch
RouteU.S. Route 78
CountySt. Clair County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.58012, -86.41008
Functional classRural Local

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating89.3 US tons
Inventory rating53.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 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 traffic1,270 (2024)
Projected traffic1,638 by 2044
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$374,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 4 (us 78) over Ram Horn Branch built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 4 (us 78) over Ram Horn Branch 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 Ram Horn Branch carry?

About 1,270 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is Al - 4 (us 78) over Ram Horn Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Al - 4 (us 78) over Ram Horn Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.