US Bridges

Cherokee #97 over Stream

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 1.0 MI SE Int Chero #41 · Structure no. 002437

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
248
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #97 over Stream is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #97 over Stream 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 248 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 300 by 2040. The structure is 23 ft (7.1 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #97
CrossesStream
Location1.0 MI SE Int Chero #41
RouteCounty Highway 97
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.35108, -85.51172
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 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 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 rating17.2 US tons
Inventory rating10.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7.1 m)
Longest span23 ft (7.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic248 (2020)
Projected traffic300 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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$243,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #97 over Stream built?

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

What condition is Cherokee #97 over Stream 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 #97 over Stream carry?

About 248 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #97 over Stream?

The structure is 23 ft (7.1 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #97 over Stream?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.