US Bridges

Cherokee #99 over Branch

Fair

Cherokee County, Alabama · 5 MI N JCT CO Rt 41 · Structure no. 006008

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
37 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
415
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #99 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Cherokee #99 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.

It carries about 415 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 550 by 2040. The structure is 37 ft (11.4 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #99
CrossesBranch
Location5 MI N JCT CO Rt 41
RouteCounty Highway 99
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.43374, -85.50834
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating76.9 US tons
Inventory rating46.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length37 ft (11.4 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic415 (2020)
Projected traffic550 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$437,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #99 over Branch built?

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

What condition is Cherokee #99 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #99 over Branch carry?

About 415 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #99 over Branch?

The structure is 37 ft (11.4 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #99 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.