US Bridges

M.L.K. Jr. Drive over Chattahoochee River

Fair

Fulton County, Georgia · @ Charlie Brown Airport · Structure no. 000000012100840

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
451 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
24,200
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M.L.K. Jr. Drive over Chattahoochee River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M.L.K. Jr. Drive over Chattahoochee River in Fulton County, Georgia. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 1979, so it is 69 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 24,200 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 28,665 by 2032. The structure is 451 ft (137.5 m) long and 75 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesM.L.K. Jr. Drive
CrossesChattahoochee River
Location@ Charlie Brown Airport
RouteState Highway 139
CountyFulton County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates33.77902, -84.53335
Functional classUrban Minor 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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating63.9 US tons
Inventory rating37.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20
Structure length451 ft (137.5 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width75 ft (22.9 m)
Roadway width72 ft (21.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,200 (2024)
Projected traffic28,665 by 2032
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$4.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was M.L.K. Jr. Drive over Chattahoochee River built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is M.L.K. Jr. Drive over Chattahoochee River 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does M.L.K. Jr. Drive over Chattahoochee River carry?

About 24,200 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is M.L.K. Jr. Drive over Chattahoochee River?

The structure is 451 ft (137.5 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 75 ft wide.

Who owns M.L.K. Jr. Drive over Chattahoochee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.