US Bridges

SR 52 over Cartecay River

Fair

Gilmer County, Georgia · 6 MI SE of Ellijay · Structure no. 000000012300200

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
120 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,490
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 52 over Cartecay River is a concrete tee beam carrying SR 52 over Cartecay River in Gilmer County, Georgia. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 85 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 5,490 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,535 by 2032. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 39.1 mi (63 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 52
CrossesCartecay River
Location6 MI SE of Ellijay
RouteState Highway 52
CountyGilmer County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.65028, -84.39529
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,490 (2024)
Projected traffic5,535 by 2032
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed39.1 mi (63 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 52 over Cartecay River built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is SR 52 over Cartecay 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 March 2023.

How much traffic does SR 52 over Cartecay River carry?

About 5,490 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SR 52 over Cartecay River?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns SR 52 over Cartecay River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.