US Bridges

US 278 over Nelson Creek

Good

Newton County, Georgia · 6 MI E of Covington · Structure no. 000000021700050

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Good
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
26 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,050
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 over Nelson Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 278 over Nelson Creek in Newton County, Georgia. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 years old, older than the Georgia average of 47.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,050 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,225 by 2031. The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 278
CrossesNelson Creek
Location6 MI E of Covington
RouteU.S. Route 278
StateGeorgia
Coordinates33.60508, -83.72267
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length26 ft (7.9 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width33 ft (10 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,050 (2024)
Projected traffic3,225 by 2031
Trucks6%
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

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$152,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278 over Nelson Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278 over Nelson Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in January 2025.

How much traffic does US 278 over Nelson Creek carry?

About 4,050 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US 278 over Nelson Creek?

The structure is 26 ft (7.9 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns US 278 over Nelson Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.