US Bridges

Al - 4 (us 78) over Kelly Creek

Fair

St. Clair County, Alabama · US 78 * Kelly Ck · Structure no. 005108

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
252 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
3,170
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 4 (us 78) over Kelly Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Al - 4 (us 78) over Kelly Creek in St. Clair County, Alabama. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 3,170 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,088 by 2043. The structure is 252 ft (76.8 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)
CrossesKelly Creek
LocationUS 78 * Kelly Ck
RouteU.S. Route 78
CountySt. Clair County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.57844, -86.45981
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.1 US tons
Inventory rating24.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length252 ft (76.8 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 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
CrossesWaterway
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$1.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 4 (us 78) over Kelly Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 4 (us 78) over Kelly 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Al - 4 (us 78) over Kelly Creek carry?

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

How long is Al - 4 (us 78) over Kelly Creek?

The structure is 252 ft (76.8 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 4 (us 78) over Kelly Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.