US Bridges

SR 52 over Chestatee River

Fair

Lumpkin County, Georgia · 2.5 MI E of Dahlonega · Structure no. 000000018700110

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
300 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
5,080
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 52 over Chestatee River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 52 over Chestatee River in Lumpkin County, Georgia. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1985, so it is 88 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 5,080 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,185 by 2032. The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 52
CrossesChestatee River
Location2.5 MI E of Dahlonega
RouteState Highway 52
CountyLumpkin County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.52788, -83.9406
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating26.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length300 ft (91.4 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,080 (2024)
Projected traffic7,185 by 2032
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$1.8 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 52 over Chestatee River built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is SR 52 over Chestatee 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does SR 52 over Chestatee River carry?

About 5,080 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SR 52 over Chestatee River?

The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns SR 52 over Chestatee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.