US Bridges

SR 53 over Blackwood Creek

Fair

Gordon County, Georgia · 4.5 MI SE of Calhoun · Structure no. 000000012900150

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
41 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,260
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 53 over Blackwood Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR 53 over Blackwood Creek in Gordon County, Georgia. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 88 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 8,260 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,295 by 2032. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 53
CrossesBlackwood Creek
Location4.5 MI SE of Calhoun
RouteState Highway 53
CountyGordon County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.45657, -84.90206
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 inspectionMay 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 rating66.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,260 (2024)
Projected traffic8,295 by 2032
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$306,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 53 over Blackwood Creek built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is SR 53 over Blackwood 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does SR 53 over Blackwood Creek carry?

About 8,260 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is SR 53 over Blackwood Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m).

Who owns SR 53 over Blackwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.