US Bridges

Cherokee #52 over Branch

Fair

Cherokee County, Alabama · 0.2 MI W Cherokee #47 · Structure no. 001260

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
215
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #52 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #52 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: open, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring.

It carries about 215 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 300 by 2040. The structure is 20 ft (6.2 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #52
CrossesBranch
Location0.2 MI W Cherokee #47
RouteCounty Highway 52
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.28353, -85.73261
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating28.5 US tons
Inventory rating17.1 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 width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic215 (2020)
Projected traffic300 by 2040
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$250,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #52 over Branch built?

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

What condition is Cherokee #52 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #52 over Branch carry?

About 215 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #52 over Branch?

The structure is 20 ft (6.2 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.2 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #52 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.