US Bridges

Swallow Creek RD over Hightower Creek

Fair

Towns County, Georgia · 4.2 MI SE of Hiawassee · Structure no. 000000028150120

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
323
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Swallow Creek RD over Hightower Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Swallow Creek RD over Hightower Creek in Towns County, Georgia. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 323 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 900 by 2031. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesSwallow Creek RD
CrossesHightower Creek
Location4.2 MI SE of Hiawassee
RouteCounty Highway 95
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.91809, -83.69233
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating61 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic323 (2024)
Projected traffic900 by 2031
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$188,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Swallow Creek RD over Hightower Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is Swallow Creek RD over Hightower 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 Swallow Creek RD over Hightower Creek carry?

About 323 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Swallow Creek RD over Hightower Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns Swallow Creek RD over Hightower Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.