US Bridges

Fouch Gap Road over Heath Creek

Poor

Floyd County, Georgia · 5 MI N of Coosa · Structure no. 000000011550640

Built
1982
43 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
27 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
130
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Fouch Gap Road over Heath Creek is a steel culvert carrying Fouch Gap Road over Heath Creek in Floyd County, Georgia. It was built in 1982, so it is 43 years old, younger than the Georgia average of 47.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 130 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 735 by 2032. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesFouch Gap Road
CrossesHeath Creek
Location5 MI N of Coosa
RouteCounty Highway 246
CountyFloyd County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.32513, -85.32636
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating110.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span7 ft (2.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic130 (2024)
Projected traffic735 by 2032
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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$158,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Fouch Gap Road over Heath Creek built?

It was built in 1982, making it 43 years old in 2025.

What condition is Fouch Gap Road over Heath Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2023.

How much traffic does Fouch Gap Road over Heath Creek carry?

About 130 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Fouch Gap Road over Heath Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 7 ft (2.1 m).

Who owns Fouch Gap Road over Heath Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.