US Bridges

SR 197 over Shoal Creek

Fair

Habersham County, Georgia · 4.5 MI N of Clarkesville · Structure no. 000000013700450

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
52 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
900
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 197 over Shoal Creek is a concrete culvert carrying SR 197 over Shoal Creek in Habersham County, Georgia. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 years old, younger 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 900 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,410 by 2031. The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesSR 197
CrossesShoal Creek
Location4.5 MI N of Clarkesville
RouteState Highway 197
CountyHabersham County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.68032, -83.5337
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length52 ft (15.8 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic900 (2024)
Projected traffic1,410 by 2031
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
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$305,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 197 over Shoal Creek built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 197 over Shoal 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does SR 197 over Shoal Creek carry?

About 900 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is SR 197 over Shoal Creek?

The structure is 52 ft (15.8 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m).

Who owns SR 197 over Shoal Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.