US Bridges

Cherokee #59 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 1.2 MI SE Int Chero #19 · Structure no. 005959

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
110
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #59 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #59 over Branch in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 110 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 163 by 2040. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #59
CrossesBranch
Location1.2 MI SE Int Chero #19
RouteCounty Highway 59
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.08632, -85.65796
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.
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 evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating14.9 US tons
Inventory rating6.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic110 (2020)
Projected traffic163 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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$235,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #59 over Branch built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cherokee #59 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 #59 over Branch carry?

About 110 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #59 over Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #59 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.