US Bridges

SR 53 over Long Swamp Creek

Fair

Pickens County, Georgia · 3 MI NE of Tate · Structure no. 000000022700140

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
150 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 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 7,830 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,670 by 2032. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

CarriesSR 53
CrossesLong Swamp Creek
Location3 MI NE of Tate
RouteState Highway 53
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.42932, -84.33641
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.9 US tons
Inventory rating32 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,830 (2024)
Projected traffic5,670 by 2032
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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$879,000
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 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns SR 53 over Long Swamp Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.