US Bridges

Cherokee #809 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 0.1 MI N US #411 · Structure no. 013454

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
31 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
25
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #809 over Branch is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #809 over Branch in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 90 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 25 vehicles a day, projected to reach 35 by 2040. The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long and 12 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #809
CrossesBranch
Location0.1 MI N US #411
RouteCounty Highway 0
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.08428, -85.43267
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating23 US tons
Inventory rating17.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckWood or timber
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length31 ft (9.4 m)
Longest span16 ft (4.8 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.7 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2020)
Projected traffic35 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.2 mi (158 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$146,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #809 over Branch built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is Cherokee #809 over 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #809 over Branch carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Cherokee #809 over Branch?

The structure is 31 ft (9.4 m) long with a longest span of 16 ft (4.8 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #809 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.