US Bridges

Cherokee #42 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 0.1 MI E Int US #411 · Structure no. 005226

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
21 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
85
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #42 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #42 over Branch 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 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 85 vehicles a day, projected to reach 125 by 2040. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #42
CrossesBranch
Location0.1 MI E Int US #411
RouteCounty Highway 42
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.13516, -85.83825
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating32 US tons
Inventory rating19.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.5 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic85 (2020)
Projected traffic125 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$133,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #42 over Branch built?

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

What condition is Cherokee #42 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #42 over Branch carry?

About 85 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Cherokee #42 over Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #42 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.