US Bridges

High Darnell Road over Betty Creek

Fair

Rabun County, Georgia · 3 MI NW of Dillard · Structure no. 000000024150110

Built
1978
47 years old, rebuilt 2002
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
36 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
323
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

High Darnell Road over Betty Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying High Darnell Road over Betty Creek in Rabun County, Georgia. It was built in 1978 and reconstructed in 2002, so it is 47 years old, younger 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 323 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 900 by 2031. The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHigh Darnell Road
CrossesBetty Creek
Location3 MI NW of Dillard
RouteCounty Highway 36
CountyRabun County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.9768, -83.43442
Functional classRural Local

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating42 US tons
Inventory rating24.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length36 ft (11 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.6 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic323 (2024)
Projected traffic900 by 2031
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$211,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was High Darnell Road over Betty Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2002.

What condition is High Darnell Road over Betty 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 High Darnell Road over Betty Creek carry?

About 323 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is High Darnell Road over Betty Creek?

The structure is 36 ft (11 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 22 ft wide.

Who owns High Darnell Road over Betty Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.