US Bridges

AL-74 over Little Creek

Fair

Winston County, Alabama · 4.9 MI E JCT SR 5 · Structure no. 006341

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
51 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,700
2020 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

AL-74 over Little Creek is a concrete culvert carrying AL-74 over Little 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 1,700 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,346 by 2042. The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.3 mi (23 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesAL-74
CrossesLittle Creek
Location4.9 MI E JCT SR 5
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyWinston County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.12947, -87.53339
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating98 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length51 ft (15.5 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 traffic1,700 (2020)
Projected traffic2,346 by 2042
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 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was AL-74 over Little Creek built?

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

What condition is AL-74 over Little 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 Little Creek carry?

About 1,700 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is AL-74 over Little Creek?

The structure is 51 ft (15.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns AL-74 over Little Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.