US Bridges

US 76/ SR 2 over Hiawassee River

Fair

Towns County, Georgia · 1.2 MI N of Hiawassee · Structure no. 000000028100030

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1990
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
567 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
15,200
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 76/ SR 2 over Hiawassee River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 76/ SR 2 over Hiawassee River in Towns County, Georgia. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1990, so it is 85 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.

It carries about 15,200 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,870 by 2032. The structure is 567 ft (172.8 m) long and 71 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 76/ SR 2
CrossesHiawassee River
Location1.2 MI N of Hiawassee
RouteU.S. Route 76
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.96316, -83.76585
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating74 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadH 15
Structure length567 ft (172.8 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.5 m)
Roadway width67 ft (20.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,200 (2024)
Projected traffic18,870 by 2032
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$4.2 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 76/ SR 2 over Hiawassee River built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1990.

What condition is US 76/ SR 2 over Hiawassee 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does US 76/ SR 2 over Hiawassee River carry?

About 15,200 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is US 76/ SR 2 over Hiawassee River?

The structure is 567 ft (172.8 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns US 76/ SR 2 over Hiawassee River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.