US Bridges

Cherokee #332 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 0.1 MI NW Cherokee #29 · Structure no. 013505

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
20
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #332 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #332 over Branch in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 63 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 20 vehicles a day, projected to reach 30 by 2040. The structure is 28 ft (8.6 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 #332
CrossesBranch
Location0.1 MI NW Cherokee #29
RouteCounty Highway 29
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.03417, -85.48217
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating14.8 US tons
Inventory rating11.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 10
Structure length28 ft (8.6 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.6 m)
Deck width12 ft (3.8 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic20 (2020)
Projected traffic30 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$138,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #332 over Branch built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is Cherokee #332 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #332 over Branch carry?

About 20 vehicles per day (2020 count).

How long is Cherokee #332 over Branch?

The structure is 28 ft (8.6 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.6 m) and a deck 12 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #332 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.