US Bridges

Cherokee #157 over Spring Creek

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 0.4 MI N Int Chero #162 · Structure no. 007489

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
46 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
143
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #157 over Spring Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #157 over Spring Creek in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 143 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 200 by 2040. The structure is 46 ft (14 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 #157
CrossesSpring Creek
Location0.4 MI N Int Chero #162
RouteCounty Highway 157
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.10918, -85.47791
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.7 US tons
Inventory rating31.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length46 ft (14 m)
Longest span23 ft (7 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic143 (2020)
Projected traffic200 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$359,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #157 over Spring Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cherokee #157 over Spring 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #157 over Spring Creek carry?

About 143 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #157 over Spring Creek?

The structure is 46 ft (14 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #157 over Spring Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.