US Bridges

Ocean Highway over Little Ogeechee River

Fair

Chatham County, Georgia · 8 MI SW of Savannah · Structure no. 000000005100430

Built
1984
41 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
180 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
34,600
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ocean Highway over Little Ogeechee River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ocean Highway over Little Ogeechee River in Chatham County, Georgia. It was built in 1984 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 41 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 34,600 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,220 by 2031. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 93 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

CarriesOcean Highway
CrossesLittle Ogeechee River
Location8 MI SW of Savannah
RouteU.S. Route 17
StateGeorgia
Coordinates32.00743, -81.23845
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width93 ft (28.4 m)
Roadway width90 ft (27.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34,600 (2024)
Projected traffic29,220 by 2031
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$1.6 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ocean Highway over Little Ogeechee River built?

It was built in 1984, making it 41 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is Ocean Highway over Little Ogeechee River 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does Ocean Highway over Little Ogeechee River carry?

About 34,600 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Ocean Highway over Little Ogeechee River?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 93 ft wide.

Who owns Ocean Highway over Little Ogeechee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.