US Bridges

Cherokee #12 over Branch

Fair

Cherokee County, Alabama · 1.3 MI W CO #45 · Structure no. 006196

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
305
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #12 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Cherokee #12 over Branch in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1958, so it is 67 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 305 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 500 by 2040. The structure is 21 ft (6.5 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 #12
CrossesBranch
Location1.3 MI W CO #45
RouteCounty Highway 12
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.02183, -85.51712
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating55.7 US tons
Inventory rating33.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length21 ft (6.5 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic305 (2020)
Projected traffic500 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$187,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #12 over Branch built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cherokee #12 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #12 over Branch carry?

About 305 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #12 over Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.5 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #12 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.