US Bridges

SR 53 over Shoal Creek

Fair

Dawson County, Georgia · 1.6 MI W of Dawsonville · Structure no. 000000008500100

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
231 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,710
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 53 over Shoal Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 53 over Shoal Creek in Dawson County, Georgia. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 6,710 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,120 by 2032. The structure is 231 ft (70.4 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 53
CrossesShoal Creek
Location1.6 MI W of Dawsonville
RouteState Highway 53
CountyDawson County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.42101, -84.14666
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating50.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length231 ft (70.4 m)
Longest span77 ft (23.5 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.4 m)
Roadway width47 ft (14.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,710 (2024)
Projected traffic9,120 by 2032
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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$1.4 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 53 over Shoal Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 53 over Shoal 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SR 53 over Shoal Creek carry?

About 6,710 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SR 53 over Shoal Creek?

The structure is 231 ft (70.4 m) long with a longest span of 77 ft (23.5 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns SR 53 over Shoal Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.