US Bridges

Tunnel H-Varnell over I-75

FairPosted for load

Catoosa County, Georgia · 5 MI SE of Ringgold · Structure no. 000000004700240

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
231 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
500
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Tunnel H-Varnell over I-75 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Tunnel H-Varnell over I-75 in Catoosa County, Georgia. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 years old, older than the Georgia average of 47.5 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: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 500 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 930 by 2031. The structure is 231 ft (70.4 m) long and 32 ft wide.

Location

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CarriesTunnel H-Varnell
CrossesI-75
Location5 MI SE of Ringgold
RouteCounty Highway 209
CountyCatoosa County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.86908, -85.03687
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating33 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length231 ft (70.4 m)
Longest span76 ft (23.2 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (2024)
Projected traffic930 by 2031
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Tunnel H-Varnell over I-75 built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is Tunnel H-Varnell over I-75 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does Tunnel H-Varnell over I-75 carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Tunnel H-Varnell over I-75?

The structure is 231 ft (70.4 m) long with a longest span of 76 ft (23.2 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns Tunnel H-Varnell over I-75?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.