US Bridges

Cherokee #189 over Branch

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · .5 MI S Int Ala 9 · Structure no. 013697

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Concrete
Length
20 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
133
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #189 over Branch is a concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #189 over Branch in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 95 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 5 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 133 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 198 by 2040. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.2 mi (158 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #189
CrossesBranch
Location.5 MI S Int Ala 9
RouteCounty Highway 189
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.23221, -85.52941
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionMarch 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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating13.4 US tons
Inventory rating8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic133 (2020)
Projected traffic198 by 2040
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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$239,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #189 over Branch built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is Cherokee #189 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Cherokee #189 over Branch carry?

About 133 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #189 over Branch?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #189 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.