US Bridges

Al - 4 (us 78) over Fishing Creek

Fair

St. Clair County, Alabama · @south Riverside Cl · Structure no. 008242

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
150 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
8,520
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 4 (us 78) over Fishing Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Al - 4 (us 78) over Fishing Creek in St. Clair County, Alabama. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 8,520 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,988 by 2043. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 4 (us 78)
CrossesFishing Creek
Location@south Riverside Cl
RouteU.S. Route 78
CountySt. Clair County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.58972, -86.24013
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 rating54.1 US tons
Inventory rating32.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,520 (2023)
Projected traffic10,988 by 2043
Trucks6%
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$1.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 4 (us 78) over Fishing 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 September 2023.

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

About 8,520 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

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

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

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

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.