US Bridges

SR 9 over Branch

Fair

Cherokee County, Alabama · 2.5 MI N JCT SR 9 * 35 · Structure no. 000608

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1986
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,329
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 9 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 9 over Branch in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1986, 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 5 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 6,329 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,582 by 2041. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 9
CrossesBranch
Location2.5 MI N JCT SR 9 * 35
RouteState Highway 9
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.24835, -85.47962
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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating63.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length22 ft (6.7 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 traffic6,329 (2021)
Projected traffic6,582 by 2041
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$281,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 9 over Branch built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1986.

What condition is SR 9 over 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does SR 9 over Branch carry?

About 6,329 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SR 9 over Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR 9 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.