US Bridges

SR 81 over Snapping Shoals Creek

Fair

Newton County, Georgia · 5.5 MI SW of Porterdale · Structure no. 000000021700110

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
170 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,840
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 81 over Snapping Shoals Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 81 over Snapping Shoals Creek in Newton County, Georgia. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 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 1,840 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,395 by 2031. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 81
CrossesSnapping Shoals Creek
Location5.5 MI SW of Porterdale
RouteState Highway 81
CountyNewton County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates33.49051, -83.95487
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
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 inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,840 (2024)
Projected traffic4,395 by 2031
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$996,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 81 over Snapping Shoals Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 81 over Snapping Shoals 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 81 over Snapping Shoals Creek carry?

About 1,840 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SR 81 over Snapping Shoals Creek?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns SR 81 over Snapping Shoals Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.