US Bridges

Cherokee #20 over Coosa River

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 1.5 MI W JCT SR 25 · Structure no. 007680

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
597 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
700
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #20 over Coosa River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #20 over Coosa River in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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 700 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 800 by 2040. The structure is 597 ft (182.1 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #20
CrossesCoosa River
Location1.5 MI W JCT SR 25
RouteCounty Highway 20
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.13942, -85.68672
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating40.7 US tons
Inventory rating24.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length597 ft (182.1 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic700 (2020)
Projected traffic800 by 2040
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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$4.1 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #20 over Coosa River built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cherokee #20 over Coosa River 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 #20 over Coosa River carry?

About 700 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #20 over Coosa River?

The structure is 597 ft (182.1 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #20 over Coosa River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.