US Bridges

Cherokee #34 over Cowan Creek

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 0.2 MI E CO #31 · Structure no. 011905

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1978
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
66 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
130
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #34 over Cowan Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #34 over Cowan Creek in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1978, so it is 85 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 130 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 193 by 2040. The structure is 66 ft (20 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #34
CrossesCowan Creek
Location0.2 MI E CO #31
RouteCounty Highway 34
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.09387, -85.57966
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.
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 inspectionOctober 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 alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating16.1 US tons
Inventory rating8.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length66 ft (20 m)
Longest span46 ft (14 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic130 (2020)
Projected traffic193 by 2040
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$540,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #34 over Cowan Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1978.

What condition is Cherokee #34 over Cowan 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #34 over Cowan Creek carry?

About 130 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #34 over Cowan Creek?

The structure is 66 ft (20 m) long with a longest span of 46 ft (14 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #34 over Cowan Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.