US Bridges

Cherokee #51 over Creek

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 1.0 MI S Int Ala #9 · Structure no. 001259

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
26 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
133
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #51 over Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #51 over Creek 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 133 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 198 by 2040. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #51
CrossesCreek
Location1.0 MI S Int Ala #9
RouteCounty Highway 51
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.23008, -85.4862
Functional classRural Minor Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating19.2 US tons
Inventory rating8.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.4 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic133 (2020)
Projected traffic198 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$262,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #51 over Creek built?

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

What condition is Cherokee #51 over 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #51 over Creek carry?

About 133 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #51 over Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #51 over Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.