US Bridges

Al - 4 (us 78) over I - 20

Fair

St. Clair County, Alabama · US 78 * I 20 Chula Vista · Structure no. 007922

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
325 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,010
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 4 (us 78) over I - 20 is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Al - 4 (us 78) over I - 20 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 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 1,010 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,303 by 2042. The structure is 325 ft (99.1 m) long and 31 ft wide.

CarriesAl - 4 (us 78)
CrossesI - 20
LocationUS 78 * I 20 Chula Vista
RouteU.S. Route 78
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.59497, -86.36891
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.2 US tons
Inventory rating40.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length325 ft (99.1 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,010 (2022)
Projected traffic1,303 by 2042
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$2.5 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Al - 4 (us 78) over I - 20 built?

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

What condition is Al - 4 (us 78) over I - 20 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does Al - 4 (us 78) over I - 20 carry?

About 1,010 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Al - 4 (us 78) over I - 20?

The structure is 325 ft (99.1 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns Al - 4 (us 78) over I - 20?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.