US Bridges

SR 52 over Etowah River

Fair

Lumpkin County, Georgia · 4.5 MI W of Dahlonega · Structure no. 000000018700090

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
160 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,300
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 52 over Etowah River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 52 over Etowah River in Lumpkin County, Georgia. It was built in 1940, 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 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 2,300 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,825 by 2032. The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 52
CrossesEtowah River
Location4.5 MI W of Dahlonega
RouteState Highway 52
CountyLumpkin County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.53494, -84.06318
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.
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 inspectionDecember 2023
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating33 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length160 ft (48.8 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,300 (2024)
Projected traffic3,825 by 2032
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$938,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 52 over Etowah River built?

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

What condition is SR 52 over Etowah River 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does SR 52 over Etowah River carry?

About 2,300 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SR 52 over Etowah River?

The structure is 160 ft (48.8 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns SR 52 over Etowah River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.