US Bridges

Rainbow Drive over Cobb Creek

Fair

DeKalb County, Georgia · 5.4 MI SE of Decatur · Structure no. 000000008901620

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
52 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
11,700
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rainbow Drive over Cobb Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Rainbow Drive over Cobb Creek in DeKalb County, Georgia. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 11,700 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,780 by 2031. The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesRainbow Drive
CrossesCobb Creek
Location5.4 MI SE of Decatur
RouteCounty Highway 9122
CountyDeKalb County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates33.70954, -84.23948
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.9 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length52 ft (15.8 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,700 (2024)
Projected traffic21,780 by 2031
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$305,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rainbow Drive over Cobb Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rainbow Drive over Cobb 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Rainbow Drive over Cobb Creek carry?

About 11,700 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Rainbow Drive over Cobb Creek?

The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns Rainbow Drive over Cobb Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.