US Bridges

Cherokee #117 over Branch

Fair

Cherokee County, Alabama · 1.0 MI SW Int Ala #9 · Structure no. 016149

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
235
2020 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Cherokee #117 over Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Cherokee #117 over Branch in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 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. Its operating status is: open, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring.

It carries about 235 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 325 by 2040. The structure is 30 ft (9.2 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesCherokee #117
CrossesBranch
Location1.0 MI SW Int Ala #9
RouteCounty Highway 117
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.23597, -85.47077
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 statusOpen, would be posted or closed except for temporary shoring
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating23.6 US tons
Inventory rating14.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length30 ft (9.2 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.2 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic235 (2020)
Projected traffic325 by 2040
Trucks5%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$251,000 (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Cherokee #117 over Branch built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is Cherokee #117 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 #117 over Branch carry?

About 235 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is Cherokee #117 over Branch?

The structure is 30 ft (9.2 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.2 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Cherokee #117 over Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.