US Bridges

Cherokee #45 over Locust Branch

FairPosted for load

Cherokee County, Alabama · 0.3 MI N JCT CO Rt 16 · Structure no. 014593

Built
1988
37 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
33 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
640
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #45 over Locust Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #45 over Locust Branch in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1988, so it is 37 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 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 640 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 800 by 2040. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesCherokee #45
CrossesLocust Branch
Location0.3 MI N JCT CO Rt 16
RouteCounty Highway 45
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.13431, -85.49516
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating40.5 US tons
Inventory rating25.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic640 (2020)
Projected traffic800 by 2040
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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$383,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #45 over Locust Branch built?

It was built in 1988, making it 37 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cherokee #45 over Locust 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 #45 over Locust Branch carry?

About 640 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #45 over Locust Branch?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #45 over Locust Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.