US Bridges

Melears Bridge RD over Little River

FairPosted for load

Taliaferro County, Georgia · 4.8 MI N of Crawfordville · Structure no. 000000026550120

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
158
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Melears Bridge RD over Little River is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Melears Bridge RD over Little River in Taliaferro County, Georgia. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 158 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 156 by 2031. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesMelears Bridge RD
CrossesLittle River
Location4.8 MI N of Crawfordville
RouteCounty Highway 48
CountyTaliaferro County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates33.62261, -82.87373
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating7.9 US tons
Inventory rating5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.3 m)
Roadway width11 ft (3.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic158 (2024)
Projected traffic156 by 2031
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure1
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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$136,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Melears Bridge RD over Little River built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is Melears Bridge RD over Little River 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does Melears Bridge RD over Little River carry?

About 158 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Melears Bridge RD over Little River?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns Melears Bridge RD over Little River?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.