US Bridges

Cherokee #97 over Chattooga River

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 0.3 MI SE Int Ala #68 · Structure no. 008420

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
486 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
365
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #97 over Chattooga River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #97 over Chattooga River in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 365 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 500 by 2040. The structure is 486 ft (148.1 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #97
CrossesChattooga River
Location0.3 MI SE Int Ala #68
RouteCounty Highway 97
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.29018, -85.50912
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating24.1 US tons
Inventory rating14.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7 (+8 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length486 ft (148.1 m)
Longest span162 ft (49.3 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic365 (2020)
Projected traffic500 by 2040
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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$2.9 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #97 over Chattooga River built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cherokee #97 over Chattooga 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 #97 over Chattooga River carry?

About 365 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #97 over Chattooga River?

The structure is 486 ft (148.1 m) long with a longest span of 162 ft (49.3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #97 over Chattooga River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.