US Bridges

Ocean HIGHWAY-US17 over Bull Town Swamp

Fair

Liberty County, Georgia · 5 MI S of Riceboro · Structure no. 000000017900020

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
132 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,870
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Ocean HIGHWAY-US17 over Bull Town Swamp is a concrete tee beam carrying Ocean HIGHWAY-US17 over Bull Town Swamp in Liberty County, Georgia. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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.

It carries about 2,870 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,125 by 2032. The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesOcean HIGHWAY-US17
CrossesBull Town Swamp
Location5 MI S of Riceboro
RouteU.S. Route 17
CountyLiberty County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates31.6586, -81.39672
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionJanuary 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 rating39.9 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 20
Structure length132 ft (40.2 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,870 (2024)
Projected traffic4,125 by 2032
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$774,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Ocean HIGHWAY-US17 over Bull Town Swamp built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is Ocean HIGHWAY-US17 over Bull Town Swamp 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does Ocean HIGHWAY-US17 over Bull Town Swamp carry?

About 2,870 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Ocean HIGHWAY-US17 over Bull Town Swamp?

The structure is 132 ft (40.2 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Ocean HIGHWAY-US17 over Bull Town Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.