US Bridges

SR 9 over Branch

Fair

Cherokee County, Alabama · .6 MI S JCT SR 9 *co RT31 · Structure no. 003410

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
63 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,880
2021 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 9 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 9 over Branch in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 5 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 2,880 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,032 by 2041. The structure is 63 ft (19.3 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 9
CrossesBranch
Location.6 MI S JCT SR 9 *co RT31
RouteState Highway 9
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.00603, -85.61348
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.3 US tons
Inventory rating22.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans5
Design loadUnknown
Structure length63 ft (19.3 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,880 (2021)
Projected traffic4,032 by 2041
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$611,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 9 over Branch built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 9 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 2023.

How much traffic does SR 9 over Branch carry?

About 2,880 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is SR 9 over Branch?

The structure is 63 ft (19.3 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns SR 9 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.