US Bridges

US 278 / SR 6 over Nor Southern Railroad

Good

Cobb County, Georgia · 1 MI SW of Austell · Structure no. 000000006701920

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
180 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
37,600
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 / SR 6 over Nor Southern Railroad is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 278 / SR 6 over Nor Southern Railroad in Cobb County, Georgia. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 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 37,600 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 50,340 by 2032. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 89 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS 278 / SR 6
CrossesNor Southern Railroad
Location1 MI SW of Austell
RouteU.S. Route 278
StateGeorgia
Coordinates33.80561, -84.65278
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating86 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width89 ft (27.2 m)
Roadway width86 ft (26.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic37,600 (2024)
Projected traffic50,340 by 2032
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$1.9 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278 / SR 6 over Nor Southern Railroad built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278 / SR 6 over Nor Southern Railroad 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does US 278 / SR 6 over Nor Southern Railroad carry?

About 37,600 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is US 278 / SR 6 over Nor Southern Railroad?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 89 ft wide.

Who owns US 278 / SR 6 over Nor Southern Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.