US Bridges

SR 35 over Little River Canyon

Fair

Cherokee County, Alabama · Dekalb &cherokee CO Line · Structure no. 018336

Built
2010
15 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
465 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
3,809
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 35 over Little River Canyon is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 35 over Little River Canyon in Cherokee County, Alabama. It was built in 2010, so it is 15 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 3,809 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,333 by 2043. The structure is 465 ft (141.7 m) long and 53 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.1 mi (63 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 35
CrossesLittle River Canyon
LocationDekalb &cherokee CO Line
RouteState Highway 35
CountyCherokee County
StateAlabama
Coordinates34.39608, -85.62728
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating91.5 US tons
Inventory rating54.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length465 ft (141.7 m)
Longest span135 ft (41.1 m)
Deck width53 ft (16.2 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,809 (2023)
Projected traffic5,333 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.1 mi (63 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$6 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 35 over Little River Canyon built?

It was built in 2010, making it 15 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 35 over Little River Canyon 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SR 35 over Little River Canyon carry?

About 3,809 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SR 35 over Little River Canyon?

The structure is 465 ft (141.7 m) long with a longest span of 135 ft (41.1 m) and a deck 53 ft wide.

Who owns SR 35 over Little River Canyon?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.