US Bridges

SR 288 over Wilson Cove Creek

Fair

Towns County, Georgia · 1.5 MI W of Hiawassee · Structure no. 000000028100190

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1985
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
108 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,470
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 288 over Wilson Cove Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying SR 288 over Wilson Cove Creek in Towns County, Georgia. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1985, 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 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 1,470 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,620 by 2031. The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesSR 288
CrossesWilson Cove Creek
Location1.5 MI W of Hiawassee
RouteState Highway 288
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.95004, -83.78307
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating99 US tons
Inventory rating68.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length108 ft (32.9 m)
Longest span54 ft (16.5 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.5 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,470 (2024)
Projected traffic1,620 by 2031
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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$633,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 288 over Wilson Cove Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1985.

What condition is SR 288 over Wilson Cove 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does SR 288 over Wilson Cove Creek carry?

About 1,470 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SR 288 over Wilson Cove Creek?

The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long with a longest span of 54 ft (16.5 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns SR 288 over Wilson Cove Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.