US Bridges

Ponce De Leon over Lullwater Creek

Fair

DeKalb County, Georgia · 2.5 MI W of Decatur · Structure no. 000000008900010

Built
1922
103 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
98 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
29,300
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ponce De Leon over Lullwater Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying Ponce De Leon over Lullwater Creek in DeKalb County, Georgia. It was built in 1922, so it is 103 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 29,300 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 47,475 by 2031. The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPonce De Leon
CrossesLullwater Creek
Location2.5 MI W of Decatur
RouteU.S. Route 23
CountyDeKalb County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates33.77396, -84.3362
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.9 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length98 ft (29.9 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width62 ft (19 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,300 (2024)
Projected traffic47,475 by 2031
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$888,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ponce De Leon over Lullwater Creek built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ponce De Leon over Lullwater 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does Ponce De Leon over Lullwater Creek carry?

About 29,300 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Ponce De Leon over Lullwater Creek?

The structure is 98 ft (29.9 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns Ponce De Leon over Lullwater Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.