US Bridges

SR 197 over Wildcat Creek

Fair

Rabun County, Georgia · 11.1 MI W of Clayton · Structure no. 000000024100190

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
42 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
590
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 197 over Wildcat Creek is a steel culvert carrying SR 197 over Wildcat Creek in Rabun County, Georgia. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 590 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,275 by 2031. The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 197
CrossesWildcat Creek
Location11.1 MI W of Clayton
RouteState Highway 197
CountyRabun County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.82767, -83.58768
Functional classRural Major 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating72 US tons
Inventory rating54.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length42 ft (12.8 m)
Longest span20 ft (6.1 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic590 (2024)
Projected traffic1,275 by 2031
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$246,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 197 over Wildcat Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 197 over Wildcat 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does SR 197 over Wildcat Creek carry?

About 590 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is SR 197 over Wildcat Creek?

The structure is 42 ft (12.8 m) long with a longest span of 20 ft (6.1 m).

Who owns SR 197 over Wildcat Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.