US Bridges

Rainbow Creek Rd. over Timpson Creek

FairPosted for load

Rabun County, Georgia · 4.8 MI NW of Clayton · Structure no. 000000024150670

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
27 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
40
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Rainbow Creek Rd. over Timpson Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Rainbow Creek Rd. over Timpson Creek in Rabun County, Georgia. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 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 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 40 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 900 by 2031. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

Location

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CarriesRainbow Creek Rd.
CrossesTimpson Creek
Location4.8 MI NW of Clayton
RouteCounty Highway 162
CountyRabun County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.89819, -83.47509
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating47 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic40 (2024)
Projected traffic900 by 2031
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed98.8 mi (159 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$115,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Rainbow Creek Rd. over Timpson Creek built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is Rainbow Creek Rd. over Timpson 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 Rainbow Creek Rd. over Timpson Creek carry?

About 40 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Rainbow Creek Rd. over Timpson Creek?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Rainbow Creek Rd. over Timpson Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.