US Bridges

A.E. Bell Bridge over St.Marys River

Good

Charlton County, Georgia · 1 MI E of ST George · Structure no. 000000004950610

Built
2001
24 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
1,191 ft
22 main spans
Daily traffic
2,520
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

A.E. Bell Bridge over St.Marys River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying A.E. Bell Bridge over St.Marys River in Charlton County, Georgia. It was built in 2001, so it is 24 years old, younger than the Georgia average of 47.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,520 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,285 by 2032. The structure is 1,191 ft (363 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 60.3 mi (97 km).

Location

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CarriesA.E. Bell Bridge
CrossesSt.Marys River
Location1 MI E of ST George
RouteState Highway 94
CountyCharlton County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates30.52486, -82.01782
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans22
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length1,191 ft (363 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,520 (2024)
Projected traffic3,285 by 2032
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed60.3 mi (97 km)
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$7 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was A.E. Bell Bridge over St.Marys River built?

It was built in 2001, making it 24 years old in 2025.

What condition is A.E. Bell Bridge over St.Marys River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does A.E. Bell Bridge over St.Marys River carry?

About 2,520 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is A.E. Bell Bridge over St.Marys River?

The structure is 1,191 ft (363 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns A.E. Bell Bridge over St.Marys River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.