US Bridges

Cherokee #818 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 0.1 MI NW Int Chero #15 · Structure no. 006206

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
75
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #818 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #818 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 75 vehicles a day, projected to reach 125 by 2040. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #818
CrossesBranch
Location0.1 MI NW Int Chero #15
RouteCounty Highway 15
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.36794, -85.60793
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating35.7 US tons
Inventory rating23.4 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 width25 ft (7.5 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic75 (2020)
Projected traffic125 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.2 mi (158 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 #818 over Branch built?

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

What condition is Cherokee #818 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 #818 over Branch carry?

About 75 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Cherokee #818 over Branch?

The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #818 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.