US Bridges

SR4/US78 over Plum Spring Branch

Fair

Talladega County, Alabama · 5.1 MI E JCT SR 77 · Structure no. 000598

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
4,725
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR4/US78 over Plum Spring Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR4/US78 over Plum Spring Branch in Talladega County, Alabama. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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 4,725 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,615 by 2042. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR4/US78
CrossesPlum Spring Branch
Location5.1 MI E JCT SR 77
RouteU.S. Route 78
CountyTalladega County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.60397, -86.02478
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 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 evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating69.9 US tons
Inventory rating41.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,725 (2022)
Projected traffic6,615 by 2042
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 proposedWidening of existing bridge without deck rehabilitation
Estimated improvement cost$255,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR4/US78 over Plum Spring Branch built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR4/US78 over Plum Spring Branch 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 SR4/US78 over Plum Spring Branch carry?

About 4,725 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is SR4/US78 over Plum Spring Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR4/US78 over Plum Spring Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.