US Bridges

Cherokee #22 over Big Mud Creek

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 0.6 MI N JCT CO Rt 45 · Structure no. 006978

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
204 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
850
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #22 over Big Mud Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Cherokee #22 over Big Mud Creek in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 5 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 850 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,000 by 2040. The structure is 204 ft (62.2 m) long and 23 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 26.1 mi (42 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #22
CrossesBig Mud Creek
Location0.6 MI N JCT CO Rt 45
RouteCounty Highway 22
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.17381, -85.47377
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 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 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 rating46.1 US tons
Inventory rating27.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length204 ft (62.2 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width23 ft (7.1 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic850 (2020)
Projected traffic1,000 by 2040
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed26.1 mi (42 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$1.3 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #22 over Big Mud Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cherokee #22 over Big Mud 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #22 over Big Mud Creek carry?

About 850 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #22 over Big Mud Creek?

The structure is 204 ft (62.2 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 23 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #22 over Big Mud Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.