US Bridges

Sparks Road over Hemptown Creek

Fair

Fannin County, Georgia · 5.7 MI E of Morganton · Structure no. 000000011150090

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
35 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
240
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sparks Road over Hemptown Creek is a steel culvert carrying Sparks Road over Hemptown Creek in Fannin County, Georgia. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 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 240 vehicles a day, roughly 34% of them trucks, projected to reach 585 by 2032. The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

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CarriesSparks Road
CrossesHemptown Creek
Location5.7 MI E of Morganton
RouteCounty Highway 49
CountyFannin County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.88573, -84.14534
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating110.1 US tons
Inventory rating107.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length35 ft (10.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic240 (2024)
Projected traffic585 by 2032
Trucks34%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$205,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sparks Road over Hemptown Creek built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sparks Road over Hemptown 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Sparks Road over Hemptown Creek carry?

About 240 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 34% are trucks.

How long is Sparks Road over Hemptown Creek?

The structure is 35 ft (10.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Sparks Road over Hemptown Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.