US Bridges

Cherokee #760 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 2.0 MI W Int Cherokee #41 · Structure no. 005286

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #760 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #760 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 40 vehicles a day, projected to reach 60 by 2040. The structure is 27 ft (8.3 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #760
CrossesBranch
Location2.0 MI W Int Cherokee #41
RouteCounty Highway 77
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.29613, -85.6199
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating10.8 US tons
Inventory rating8.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 10
Structure length27 ft (8.3 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.3 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2020)
Projected traffic60 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.2 mi (158 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$135,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #760 over Branch built?

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

What condition is Cherokee #760 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 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #760 over Branch carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Cherokee #760 over Branch?

The structure is 27 ft (8.3 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.3 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #760 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.