US Bridges

SR 16 over Shoulderbone Creek

Fair

Hancock County, Georgia · 7.4 MI NW of Sparta · Structure no. 000000014100070

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
523 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
1,200
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 16 over Shoulderbone Creek is a concrete arch - deck carrying SR 16 over Shoulderbone Creek in Hancock County, Georgia. It was built in 1940, 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 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 1,200 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,725 by 2032. The structure is 523 ft (159.4 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 16
CrossesShoulderbone Creek
Location7.4 MI NW of Sparta
RouteState Highway 16
CountyHancock County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates33.33857, -83.07941
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.9 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length523 ft (159.4 m)
Longest span107 ft (32.6 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,200 (2024)
Projected traffic1,725 by 2032
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$3.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 16 over Shoulderbone Creek built?

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

What condition is SR 16 over Shoulderbone 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does SR 16 over Shoulderbone Creek carry?

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

How long is SR 16 over Shoulderbone Creek?

The structure is 523 ft (159.4 m) long with a longest span of 107 ft (32.6 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns SR 16 over Shoulderbone Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.