US Bridges

Cherokee #162 over Forney Branch

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 0.4 MI E Cherokee #45 · Structure no. 005639

Built
1956
69 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
120
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #162 over Forney Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #162 over Forney 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 5 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 120 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 179 by 2040. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #162
CrossesForney Branch
Location0.4 MI E Cherokee #45
RouteCounty Highway 162
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.10884, -85.49065
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating11.2 US tons
Inventory rating1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic120 (2020)
Projected traffic179 by 2040
Trucks5%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$290,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #162 over Forney Branch built?

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

What condition is Cherokee #162 over Forney 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #162 over Forney Branch carry?

About 120 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #162 over Forney Branch?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #162 over Forney Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.