US Bridges

Cherokee #2 over Mill Creek

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 1.0 MI E Int Ala #9 · Structure no. 002236

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
131
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #2 over Mill Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #2 over Mill Creek in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 131 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 195 by 2040. The structure is 40 ft (12.3 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #2
CrossesMill Creek
Location1.0 MI E Int Ala #9
RouteCounty Highway 2
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates33.97031, -85.60134
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 inspectionOctober 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating19.5 US tons
Inventory rating10.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.3 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.3 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.1 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic131 (2020)
Projected traffic195 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$288,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #2 over Mill Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cherokee #2 over Mill 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #2 over Mill Creek carry?

About 131 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #2 over Mill Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.3 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.3 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #2 over Mill Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.