US Bridges

Cherokee #45 over Spring Creek

Fair

Cherokee County, Alabama · 0.3 MI S JCT CO RD 16 · Structure no. 003255

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
99 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
470
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #45 over Spring Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Cherokee #45 over Spring Creek 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 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.

It carries about 470 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 800 by 2040. The structure is 99 ft (30.3 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #45
CrossesSpring Creek
Location0.3 MI S JCT CO RD 16
RouteCounty Highway 45
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.1273, -85.49812
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length99 ft (30.3 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.9 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic470 (2020)
Projected traffic800 by 2040
Trucks10%
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$590,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #45 over Spring Creek built?

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

What condition is Cherokee #45 over Spring 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #45 over Spring Creek carry?

About 470 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #45 over Spring Creek?

The structure is 99 ft (30.3 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.9 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #45 over Spring Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.