US Bridges

Cherokee #43 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 1.0 MI W Int Cherokee #47 · Structure no. 002837

Built
1945
80 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
385
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #43 over Branch is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #43 over Branch in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1945, so it is 80 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 385 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 450 by 2040. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #43
CrossesBranch
Location1.0 MI W Int Cherokee #47
RouteCounty Highway 43
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.26214, -85.73229
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating31.1 US tons
Inventory rating9.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic385 (2020)
Projected traffic450 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$336,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #43 over Branch built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cherokee #43 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #43 over Branch carry?

About 385 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #43 over Branch?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #43 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.