US Bridges

AL-74 over Meadow Creek

Fair

Winston County, Alabama · 2.5 MI E JCT SR 5 · Structure no. 006340

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,500
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-74 over Meadow Creek is a concrete culvert carrying AL-74 over Meadow Creek in Winston County, Alabama. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 1,500 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,684 by 2040. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

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CarriesAL-74
CrossesMeadow Creek
Location2.5 MI E JCT SR 5
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyWinston County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.10869, -87.56444
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,500 (2020)
Projected traffic2,684 by 2040
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.3 mi (23 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$1.6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-74 over Meadow Creek built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is AL-74 over Meadow 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does AL-74 over Meadow Creek carry?

About 1,500 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is AL-74 over Meadow Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns AL-74 over Meadow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.