US Bridges

Cherokee #12 over Branch

Fair

Cherokee County, Alabama · 0.2 MI N Int Chero #29 · Structure no. 006197

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
330
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #12 over Branch is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder 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 330 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 500 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 19 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesCherokee #12
CrossesBranch
Location0.2 MI N Int Chero #29
RouteCounty Highway 12
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.03068, -85.49525
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating55.8 US tons
Inventory rating33.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.7 m)
Deck width19 ft (5.8 m)
Roadway width17 ft (5.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic330 (2020)
Projected traffic500 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$232,000 (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 330 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #12 over Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.7 m) and a deck 19 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #12 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.