US Bridges

Cherokee #62 over Mills Creek

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 0.5 MI E Cherokee #99 · Structure no. 002397

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
37 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
133
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #62 over Mills Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #62 over Mills 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 5 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 37 ft (11.2 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #62
CrossesMills Creek
Location0.5 MI E Cherokee #99
RouteCounty Highway 62
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.40908, -85.50332
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating8.8 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 length37 ft (11.2 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.2 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.3 m)
Roadway width19 ft (5.7 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 closed8.1 mi (13 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$271,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #62 over Mills Creek built?

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

What condition is Cherokee #62 over Mills 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 #62 over Mills Creek carry?

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

How long is Cherokee #62 over Mills Creek?

The structure is 37 ft (11.2 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.2 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #62 over Mills Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.