US Bridges

Cherokee #22 over Branch

Fair

Cherokee County, Alabama · .75 MI E JCT CO Rt 69 · Structure no. 013627

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
20 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,700
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #22 over Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Cherokee #22 over Branch in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 2,700 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,500 by 2040. The structure is 20 ft (6.2 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #22
CrossesBranch
Location.75 MI E JCT CO Rt 69
RouteCounty Highway 22
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.15091, -85.61746
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating93.9 US tons
Inventory rating56.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length20 ft (6.2 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,700 (2020)
Projected traffic3,500 by 2040
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$331,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #22 over Branch built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cherokee #22 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #22 over Branch carry?

About 2,700 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #22 over Branch?

The structure is 20 ft (6.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #22 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.