US Bridges

Al - 4 (us 78) over Wolf Creek

Good

St. Clair County, Alabama · .6 Mi. E of I20 Eden Exit · Structure no. 020382

Built
2014
11 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
223 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
7,272
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Al - 4 (us 78) over Wolf Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Al - 4 (us 78) over Wolf Creek in St. Clair County, Alabama. It was built in 2014, so it is 11 years old, younger than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 7,272 vehicles a day, projected to reach 11,240 by 2044. The structure is 223 ft (68 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesAl - 4 (us 78)
CrossesWolf Creek
Location.6 Mi. E of I20 Eden Exit
RouteU.S. Route 78
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.59077, -86.3206
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73.1 US tons
Inventory rating43.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length223 ft (68 m)
Longest span44 ft (13.4 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,272 (2024)
Projected traffic11,240 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$2.7 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

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

It was built in 2014, making it 11 years old in 2025.

What condition is Al - 4 (us 78) over Wolf Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

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

About 7,272 vehicles per day (2024 count).

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

The structure is 223 ft (68 m) long with a longest span of 44 ft (13.4 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

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

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.