US Bridges

Prior Station Road over Dry Creek

FairPosted for load

Polk County, Georgia · 4.3 MI NE of Etna · Structure no. 000000023350360

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 1952
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
68 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
330
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Prior Station Road over Dry Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Prior Station Road over Dry Creek in Polk County, Georgia. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 1952, so it is 87 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 330 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 735 by 2032. The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long and 21 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesPrior Station Road
CrossesDry Creek
Location4.3 MI NE of Etna
RouteCounty Highway 351
CountyPolk County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.01522, -85.33506
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating25.9 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length68 ft (20.7 m)
Longest span34 ft (10.4 m)
Deck width21 ft (6.4 m)
Roadway width21 ft (6.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic330 (2024)
Projected traffic735 by 2032
Trucks1%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$108,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Prior Station Road over Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1952.

What condition is Prior Station Road over Dry 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 2024.

How much traffic does Prior Station Road over Dry Creek carry?

About 330 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Prior Station Road over Dry Creek?

The structure is 68 ft (20.7 m) long with a longest span of 34 ft (10.4 m) and a deck 21 ft wide.

Who owns Prior Station Road over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.