US Bridges

SR 20 over Etowah River

Fair

Cherokee County, Georgia · 4.5 MI West of Canton · Structure no. 000000005700100

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
362 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
15,500
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 20 over Etowah River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 20 over Etowah River in Cherokee County, Georgia. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 5 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 15,500 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,625 by 2032. The structure is 362 ft (110.3 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 20
CrossesEtowah River
Location4.5 MI West of Canton
RouteState Highway 20
CountyCherokee County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.21545, -84.56408
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.9 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length362 ft (110.3 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,500 (2024)
Projected traffic17,625 by 2032
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$2.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 20 over Etowah River built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 20 over Etowah 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does SR 20 over Etowah River carry?

About 15,500 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SR 20 over Etowah River?

The structure is 362 ft (110.3 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns SR 20 over Etowah River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.