US Bridges

Cherokee #97 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 1.3 MI SW Int Ala #68 · Structure no. 002859

Built
1945
80 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
21 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
130
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #97 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #97 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 130 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 193 by 2040. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #97
CrossesBranch
Location1.3 MI SW Int Ala #68
RouteCounty Highway 97
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.28024, -85.51684
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating11.1 US tons
Inventory rating5.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic130 (2020)
Projected traffic193 by 2040
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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$182,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #97 over Branch built?

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

What condition is Cherokee #97 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #97 over Branch carry?

About 130 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #97 over Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #97 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.