US Bridges

SR 79 over Soap Creek

Fair

Lincoln County, Georgia · 2.7 MI NE of Lincolnton · Structure no. 000000018100200

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
240 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
3,027
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 79 over Soap Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 79 over Soap Creek in Lincoln County, Georgia. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 years old, younger 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 3,027 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,155 by 2031. The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 79
CrossesSoap Creek
Location2.7 MI NE of Lincolnton
RouteState Highway 79
CountyLincoln County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates33.83183, -82.47231
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.9 US tons
Inventory rating37.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length240 ft (73.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,027 (2024)
Projected traffic1,155 by 2031
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$1.4 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 79 over Soap Creek built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 79 over Soap 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does SR 79 over Soap Creek carry?

About 3,027 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is SR 79 over Soap Creek?

The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns SR 79 over Soap Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.