US Bridges

Ritchie Road over Echeconee Creek

FairPosted for load

Lamar County, Georgia · 4.5 MI S of Barnesville · Structure no. 000000017150330

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
21 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
158
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ritchie Road over Echeconee Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Ritchie Road over Echeconee Creek in Lamar County, Georgia. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1994, 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 158 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 45 by 2032. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesRitchie Road
CrossesEcheconee Creek
Location4.5 MI S of Barnesville
RouteCounty Highway 38
CountyLamar County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates32.99262, -84.1372
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating20.9 US tons
Inventory rating11.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadH 10
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic158 (2024)
Projected traffic45 by 2032
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ritchie Road over Echeconee Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is Ritchie Road over Echeconee 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 2023.

How much traffic does Ritchie Road over Echeconee Creek carry?

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

How long is Ritchie Road over Echeconee Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Ritchie Road over Echeconee Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.