US Bridges

US 76 over Little Hightower CR

Fair

Towns County, Georgia · 7.2 MI E of Hiawassee · Structure no. 000000028100090

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,780
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 76 over Little Hightower CR is a concrete culvert carrying US 76 over Little Hightower CR in Towns County, Georgia. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 1,780 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,920 by 2031. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 24.2 mi (39 km).

CarriesUS 76
CrossesLittle Hightower CR
Location7.2 MI E of Hiawassee
RouteU.S. Route 76
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.92712, -83.63251
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span13 ft (4 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,780 (2024)
Projected traffic1,920 by 2031
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed24.2 mi (39 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$234,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 76 over Little Hightower CR built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 76 over Little Hightower CR 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 over Little Hightower CR carry?

About 1,780 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is US 76 over Little Hightower CR?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 13 ft (4 m).

Who owns US 76 over Little Hightower CR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.