US Bridges

Cherokee #166 over Yellow Creek

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 1.5 MI NE Cherokee #11 · Structure no. 007796

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
99 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
80
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #166 over Yellow Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #166 over Yellow Creek 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 80 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 119 by 2040. The structure is 99 ft (30.3 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #166
CrossesYellow Creek
Location1.5 MI NE Cherokee #11
RouteCounty Highway 166
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.22488, -85.74298
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 inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating14.1 US tons
Inventory rating5.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+1 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length99 ft (30.3 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.7 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic80 (2020)
Projected traffic119 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$614,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #166 over Yellow Creek built?

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

What condition is Cherokee #166 over Yellow 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #166 over Yellow Creek carry?

About 80 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #166 over Yellow Creek?

The structure is 99 ft (30.3 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #166 over Yellow Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.