US Bridges

Cherokee #125 over Culstigh Creek

Fair

Cherokee County, Alabama · 0.3 MI NE Int Chero #46 · Structure no. 006381

Built
1958
67 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
235
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #125 over Culstigh Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #125 over Culstigh Creek 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 235 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 290 by 2040. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #125
CrossesCulstigh Creek
Location0.3 MI NE Int Chero #46
RouteCounty Highway 125
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.38036, -85.55154
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.4 US tons
Inventory rating34.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.3 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic235 (2020)
Projected traffic290 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$328,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #125 over Culstigh Creek built?

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

What condition is Cherokee #125 over Culstigh Creek 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 #125 over Culstigh Creek carry?

About 235 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #125 over Culstigh Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.3 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #125 over Culstigh Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.