US Bridges

Fodder Creek Road over Fodder Creek

Fair

Towns County, Georgia · 2.5 MI SE of Hiawassee · Structure no. 000000028150160

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
63 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
323
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Fodder Creek Road over Fodder Creek is a steel culvert carrying Fodder Creek Road over Fodder Creek in Towns County, Georgia. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 63 ft (19.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 98.8 mi (159 km).

CarriesFodder Creek Road
CrossesFodder Creek
Location2.5 MI SE of Hiawassee
RouteCounty Highway 173
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.91389, -83.7417
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 rating36.9 US tons
Inventory rating28 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length63 ft (19.2 m)
Longest span29 ft (8.8 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$369,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Fodder Creek Road over Fodder Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is Fodder Creek Road over Fodder 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 Fodder Creek Road over Fodder Creek carry?

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

How long is Fodder Creek Road over Fodder Creek?

The structure is 63 ft (19.2 m) long with a longest span of 29 ft (8.8 m).

Who owns Fodder Creek Road over Fodder Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.