US Bridges

Cherokee #140 over Branch

Fair

Cherokee County, Alabama · 0.4 MI E Int Ala #68 · Structure no. 007148

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
135
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #140 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #140 over Branch 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 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 135 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 250 by 2040. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #140
CrossesBranch
Location0.4 MI E Int Ala #68
RouteCounty Highway 140
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.3136, -85.47935
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 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 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 rating76.7 US tons
Inventory rating50.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic135 (2020)
Projected traffic250 by 2040
Trucks2%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$273,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #140 over Branch built?

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

What condition is Cherokee #140 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #140 over Branch carry?

About 135 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #140 over Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #140 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.