US Bridges

Al - 4 (us 78) over Norfolk Southern

Fair

St. Clair County, Alabama · .7 Mi.W. I-20 · Structure no. 008668

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
249 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,520
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 4 (us 78) over Norfolk Southern is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al - 4 (us 78) over Norfolk Southern in St. Clair County, Alabama. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 8,520 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,988 by 2044. The structure is 249 ft (75.9 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAl - 4 (us 78)
CrossesNorfolk Southern
Location.7 Mi.W. I-20
RouteU.S. Route 78
CountySt. Clair County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.59551, -86.22295
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating66.5 US tons
Inventory rating39.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length249 ft (75.9 m)
Longest span83 ft (25.3 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,520 (2024)
Projected traffic10,988 by 2044
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$2 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 1965, making it 60 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 July 2024.

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

About 8,520 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

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

The structure is 249 ft (75.9 m) long with a longest span of 83 ft (25.3 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

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

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.