US Bridges

SR 9 over Branch

Fair

Cherokee County, Alabama · 3.7 MI S JCT SR 9 *25 · Structure no. 003412

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
102 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,379
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 9 over Branch is a concrete tee beam 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 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 3,379 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,731 by 2043. The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 9
CrossesBranch
Location3.7 MI S JCT SR 9 *25
RouteState Highway 9
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.10011, -85.64419
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating44.3 US tons
Inventory rating26.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length102 ft (31.1 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,379 (2023)
Projected traffic4,731 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$836,000 (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 2025.

How much traffic does SR 9 over Branch carry?

About 3,379 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 9 over Branch?

The structure is 102 ft (31.1 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns SR 9 over Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.