US Bridges

SR 273 over Daniels Branch

Fair

Cherokee County, Alabama · 8.7 MI N JCT SR 68*273 · Structure no. 011301

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1975
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2025
Type
Channel Beam
Concrete
Length
68 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
706
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 273 over Daniels Branch is a concrete channel beam carrying SR 273 over Daniels Branch in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1975, so it is 100 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 5 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: open, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring.

It carries about 706 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 988 by 2043. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 273
CrossesDaniels Branch
Location8.7 MI N JCT SR 68*273
RouteState Highway 273
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.2768, -85.6746
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring
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 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 rating43.7 US tons
Inventory rating23.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic706 (2023)
Projected traffic988 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState 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$620,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 273 over Daniels Branch built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1975.

What condition is SR 273 over Daniels 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 2025.

How much traffic does SR 273 over Daniels Branch carry?

About 706 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is SR 273 over Daniels Branch?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns SR 273 over Daniels Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.