US Bridges

S.R. 97 over Big Slough

Good

Decatur County, Georgia · 3.2 MI NE of Bainbridge · Structure no. 000000008750660

Built
2016
9 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
280 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
4,120
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S.R. 97 over Big Slough is a prestressed concrete channel beam carrying S.R. 97 over Big Slough in Decatur County, Georgia. It was built in 2016, so it is 9 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 4,120 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,775 by 2032. The structure is 280 ft (85.3 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.3 mi (31 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS.R. 97
CrossesBig Slough
Location3.2 MI NE of Bainbridge
RouteState Highway 97
CountyDecatur County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates30.93489, -84.52303
Functional classUrban Minor 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.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating85 US tons
Inventory rating36.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHL 93
Structure length280 ft (85.3 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,120 (2024)
Projected traffic5,775 by 2032
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.3 mi (31 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$37.3 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S.R. 97 over Big Slough built?

It was built in 2016, making it 9 years old in 2025.

What condition is S.R. 97 over Big Slough 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does S.R. 97 over Big Slough carry?

About 4,120 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is S.R. 97 over Big Slough?

The structure is 280 ft (85.3 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns S.R. 97 over Big Slough?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.