US Bridges

Upper Bethany RD over Bluff Creek

Fair

Cherokee County, Georgia · 5 MI W of Ball Ground · Structure no. 000000005750070

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1957
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
26 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,140
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Upper Bethany RD over Bluff Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Upper Bethany RD over Bluff Creek in Cherokee County, Georgia. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1957, so it is 85 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 1,140 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 900 by 2031. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUpper Bethany RD
CrossesBluff Creek
Location5 MI W of Ball Ground
RouteCounty Highway 55
CountyCherokee County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.34573, -84.45977
Functional classRural 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating25.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,140 (2024)
Projected traffic900 by 2031
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty 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$152,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Upper Bethany RD over Bluff Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1957.

What condition is Upper Bethany RD over Bluff Creek 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 Upper Bethany RD over Bluff Creek carry?

About 1,140 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Upper Bethany RD over Bluff Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns Upper Bethany RD over Bluff Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.