US Bridges

Cherokee #176 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 0.1 MI W Int Ala #9 · Structure no. 005540

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
23 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #176 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #176 over Branch in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1956, so it is 69 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 50 by 2040. The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #176
CrossesBranch
Location0.1 MI W Int Ala #9
RouteCounty Highway 31
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.00281, -85.61514
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating16.8 US tons
Inventory rating10.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (6.9 m)
Longest span23 ft (6.9 m)
Deck width20 ft (6 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2020)
Projected traffic50 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$190,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #176 over Branch built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cherokee #176 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 #176 over Branch carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Cherokee #176 over Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (6.9 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (6.9 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #176 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.