US Bridges

Cherokee #171 over Creek

Good

Cherokee County, Alabama · 0.4 MI N Int Cherokee #39 · Structure no. 013458

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Good
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
40 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #171 over Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #171 over Creek in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1985, 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 good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 50 vehicles a day, projected to reach 75 by 2040. The structure is 40 ft (12.3 m) long and 15 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #171
CrossesCreek
Location0.4 MI N Int Cherokee #39
RouteCounty Highway 171
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.05763, -85.71082
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating98 US tons
Inventory rating74 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 15
Structure length40 ft (12.3 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width15 ft (4.5 m)
Roadway width15 ft (4.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50 (2020)
Projected traffic75 by 2040
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$200,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #171 over Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is Cherokee #171 over Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #171 over Creek carry?

About 50 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Cherokee #171 over Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.3 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 15 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #171 over Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.