US Bridges

West Lake Drive over Big Branch

FairPosted for load

Laurens County, Georgia · 8 MI NE of Dublin · Structure no. 000000017550760

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
40 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
430
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

West Lake Drive over Big Branch is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying West Lake Drive over Big Branch in Laurens County, Georgia. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 430 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 735 by 2032. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesWest Lake Drive
CrossesBig Branch
Location8 MI NE of Dublin
RouteCounty Highway 565
CountyLaurens County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates32.64699, -82.85222
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating20 US tons
Inventory rating7.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic430 (2024)
Projected traffic735 by 2032
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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$172,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was West Lake Drive over Big Branch built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is West Lake Drive over Big Branch 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does West Lake Drive over Big Branch carry?

About 430 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is West Lake Drive over Big Branch?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns West Lake Drive over Big Branch?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.