US Bridges

Cherokee #41 over Mills Creek

GoodPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 6 MI NE JCT SR 35 · Structure no. 004367

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
238 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
505
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #41 over Mills Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Cherokee #41 over Mills Creek in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 505 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 650 by 2040. The structure is 238 ft (72.5 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesCherokee #41
CrossesMills Creek
Location6 MI NE JCT SR 35
RouteCounty Highway 41
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.38284, -85.49793
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.1 US tons
Inventory rating27.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length238 ft (72.5 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic505 (2020)
Projected traffic650 by 2040
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #41 over Mills Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cherokee #41 over Mills Creek 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #41 over Mills Creek carry?

About 505 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #41 over Mills Creek?

The structure is 238 ft (72.5 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #41 over Mills Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.