US Bridges

Watts Road over Fort Creek

FairPosted for load

Hancock County, Georgia · 5.5 MI W of Sparta · Structure no. 000000014150370

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
55 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
158
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Watts Road over Fort Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Watts Road over Fort Creek in Hancock County, Georgia. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 158 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 60 by 2031. The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long and 16 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesWatts Road
CrossesFort Creek
Location5.5 MI W of Sparta
RouteCounty Highway 144
CountyHancock County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates33.26167, -83.06879
Functional classRural Local

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length55 ft (16.8 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width16 ft (4.8 m)
Roadway width16 ft (4.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic158 (2024)
Projected traffic60 by 2031
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$188,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Watts Road over Fort Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is Watts Road over Fort 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 Watts Road over Fort Creek carry?

About 158 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Watts Road over Fort Creek?

The structure is 55 ft (16.8 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 16 ft wide.

Who owns Watts Road over Fort Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.