US Bridges

SR 35 over Chatooga River

Fair

Cherokee County, Alabama · 0.2 MI S JCT SR 68*35 · Structure no. 005220

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
609 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,373
2022 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 35 over Chatooga River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 35 over Chatooga River in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 3,373 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,722 by 2042. The structure is 609 ft (185.6 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 35
CrossesChatooga River
Location0.2 MI S JCT SR 68*35
RouteState Highway 35
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.26349, -85.56014
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 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
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating38.7 US tons
Inventory rating23.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+12 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length609 ft (185.6 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,373 (2022)
Projected traffic4,722 by 2042
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$3.8 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 35 over Chatooga River built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 35 over Chatooga River 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does SR 35 over Chatooga River carry?

About 3,373 vehicles per day (2022 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is SR 35 over Chatooga River?

The structure is 609 ft (185.6 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns SR 35 over Chatooga River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.