US Bridges

Cherokee #42 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 0.1 MI N Int US #411 · Structure no. 001247

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
120
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #42 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #42 over Branch in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 120 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 178 by 2040. The structure is 20 ft (6.2 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #42
CrossesBranch
Location0.1 MI N Int US #411
RouteCounty Highway 42
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.14417, -85.83335
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating6.9 US tons
Inventory rating2.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length20 ft (6.2 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.2 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.3 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic120 (2020)
Projected traffic178 by 2040
Trucks2%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$186,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #42 over Branch built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cherokee #42 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #42 over Branch carry?

About 120 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #42 over Branch?

The structure is 20 ft (6.2 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.2 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #42 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.