US Bridges

Cherokee #43 over Wolf Creek

Fair

Cherokee County, Alabama · 0.8 MI W Int Cherokee #47 · Structure no. 002838

Built
1945
80 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
32 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
131
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #43 over Wolf Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #43 over Wolf Creek 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: open, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring.

It carries about 131 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 195 by 2040. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #43
CrossesWolf Creek
Location0.8 MI W Int Cherokee #47
RouteCounty Highway 43
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.26302, -85.72551
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating3 US tons
Inventory rating2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.7 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 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 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$308,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #43 over Wolf Creek built?

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

What condition is Cherokee #43 over Wolf 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #43 over Wolf Creek carry?

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

How long is Cherokee #43 over Wolf Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #43 over Wolf Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.