US Bridges

Cherokee #31 over Branch

Fair

Cherokee County, Alabama · 1.4 MI N Int Cherokee #6 · Structure no. 001997

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
100
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #31 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #31 over Branch in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 149 by 2040. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #31
CrossesBranch
Location1.4 MI N Int Cherokee #6
RouteCounty Highway 31
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.0041, -85.61801
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 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 evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating10 US tons
Inventory rating7.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2020)
Projected traffic149 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$211,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #31 over Branch built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cherokee #31 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 #31 over Branch carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #31 over Branch?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #31 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.