US Bridges

Cherokee #129 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 1.2 MI NW Int Chero #129 · Structure no. 002454

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
38
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #129 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #129 over Branch 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 38 vehicles a day, projected to reach 50 by 2040. The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #129
CrossesBranch
Location1.2 MI NW Int Chero #129
RouteCounty Highway 129
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.4288, -85.52055
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating28.2 US tons
Inventory rating19.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 10
Structure length28 ft (8.6 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.6 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.9 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic38 (2020)
Projected traffic50 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.2 mi (158 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$184,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #129 over Branch built?

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

What condition is Cherokee #129 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #129 over Branch carry?

About 38 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Cherokee #129 over Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.6 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #129 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.