US Bridges

SR 53 over Etowah River

Fair

Dawson County, Georgia · 4.3 MI SE of Dawsonville · Structure no. 000000008500120

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
219 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
16,500
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 53 over Etowah River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 53 over Etowah River in Dawson County, Georgia. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 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 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 16,500 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,675 by 2032. The structure is 219 ft (66.8 m) long and 51 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 53
CrossesEtowah River
Location4.3 MI SE of Dawsonville
RouteState Highway 53
CountyDawson County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.38193, -84.06351
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating51.9 US tons
Inventory rating25.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length219 ft (66.8 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width51 ft (15.5 m)
Roadway width48 ft (14.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,500 (2024)
Projected traffic18,675 by 2032
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$1.3 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 53 over Etowah River built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 53 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does SR 53 over Etowah River carry?

About 16,500 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SR 53 over Etowah River?

The structure is 219 ft (66.8 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 51 ft wide.

Who owns SR 53 over Etowah River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.