US Bridges

CO RTE 256 over Blue Ridge Dam Spillway

Fair

Fannin County, Georgia · 3 MI East Blue Ridge · Structure no. 11100810F01775N

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
217 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
2,130
2021 count
Owner
Federal
Tennessee Valley Authority

About this bridge

CO RTE 256 over Blue Ridge Dam Spillway is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying CO RTE 256 over Blue Ridge Dam Spillway in Fannin County, Georgia. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 95 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 6 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 2,130 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,400 by 2041. The structure is 217 ft (66.1 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesCO RTE 256
CrossesBlue Ridge Dam Spillway
Location3 MI East Blue Ridge
RouteCounty Highway 256
CountyFannin County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.88167, -84.28222
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating55.3 US tons
Inventory rating33.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length217 ft (66.1 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.8 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,130 (2021)
Projected traffic3,400 by 2041
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRelief for waterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerTennessee Valley Authority
Maintained byTennessee Valley Authority
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was CO RTE 256 over Blue Ridge Dam Spillway built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is CO RTE 256 over Blue Ridge Dam Spillway 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does CO RTE 256 over Blue Ridge Dam Spillway carry?

About 2,130 vehicles per day (2021 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is CO RTE 256 over Blue Ridge Dam Spillway?

The structure is 217 ft (66.1 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns CO RTE 256 over Blue Ridge Dam Spillway?

It is owned by the Tennessee Valley Authority.