US Bridges

Cherokee #29 over Branch

Good

Cherokee County, Alabama · 6.4 MI S JCT SR 25 · Structure no. 003236

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
20 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,200
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #29 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Cherokee #29 over Branch in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 1,200 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,500 by 2040. The structure is 20 ft (6.2 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesCherokee #29
CrossesBranch
Location6.4 MI S JCT SR 25
RouteCounty Highway 29
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.01574, -85.51031
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.8 US tons
Inventory rating35.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length20 ft (6.2 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,200 (2020)
Projected traffic1,500 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$284,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #29 over Branch built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cherokee #29 over Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #29 over Branch carry?

About 1,200 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #29 over Branch?

The structure is 20 ft (6.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #29 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.