US Bridges

SR 53 over Long Swamp Creek

FairPosted for load

Pickens County, Georgia · 1.5 MI NE of Tate · Structure no. 000000022700110

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
170 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
7,830
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 53 over Long Swamp Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SR 53 over Long Swamp Creek in Pickens County, Georgia. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1980, 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 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 7,830 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,770 by 2032. The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

CarriesSR 53
CrossesLong Swamp Creek
Location1.5 MI NE of Tate
RouteState Highway 53
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.42837, -84.36606
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34.9 US tons
Inventory rating20.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length170 ft (51.8 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.5 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,830 (2024)
Projected traffic7,770 by 2032
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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$996,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 53 over Long Swamp Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is SR 53 over Long Swamp 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does SR 53 over Long Swamp Creek carry?

About 7,830 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SR 53 over Long Swamp Creek?

The structure is 170 ft (51.8 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns SR 53 over Long Swamp Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.