US Bridges

SR 81 over I-20

Fair

Newton County, Georgia · In Covington · Structure no. 000000021700150

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
231 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
11,200
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 81 over I-20 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 81 over I-20 in Newton County, Georgia. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 11,200 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,225 by 2031. The structure is 231 ft (70.4 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 81
CrossesI-20
LocationIn Covington
RouteState Highway 81
CountyNewton County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates33.61, -83.86739
Functional classUrban 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating39.9 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length231 ft (70.4 m)
Longest span64 ft (19.5 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic11,200 (2024)
Projected traffic21,225 by 2031
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$1.4 million
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 81 over I-20 built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 81 over I-20 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does SR 81 over I-20 carry?

About 11,200 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SR 81 over I-20?

The structure is 231 ft (70.4 m) long with a longest span of 64 ft (19.5 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns SR 81 over I-20?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.