US Bridges

Cherokee #40 over Sandy Creek

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 0.6 MI E Int Cherokee #34 · Structure no. 003756

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
41 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
120
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #40 over Sandy Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #40 over Sandy Creek in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 120 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 178 by 2040. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 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 #40
CrossesSandy Creek
Location0.6 MI E Int Cherokee #34
RouteCounty Highway 40
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.11619, -85.5277
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating7.7 US tons
Inventory rating1.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span41 ft (12.5 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic120 (2020)
Projected traffic178 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$333,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #40 over Sandy Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cherokee #40 over Sandy 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 #40 over Sandy Creek carry?

About 120 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #40 over Sandy Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 41 ft (12.5 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #40 over Sandy Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.