US Bridges

SR 157 over Rock Creek

Poor

Walker County, Georgia · 6.7 MI NW of Chickamauga · Structure no. 000000029500210

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
189 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,380
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 157 over Rock Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 157 over Rock Creek in Walker County, Georgia. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 years old, older than the Georgia average of 47.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,380 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,890 by 2031. The structure is 189 ft (57.6 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 19.9 mi (32 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 157
CrossesRock Creek
Location6.7 MI NW of Chickamauga
RouteState Highway 157
CountyWalker County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.90513, -85.4013
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50.9 US tons
Inventory rating35.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length189 ft (57.6 m)
Longest span63 ft (19.2 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.7 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,380 (2024)
Projected traffic1,890 by 2031
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed19.9 mi (32 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$1.1 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 157 over Rock Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 157 over Rock Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2025.

How much traffic does SR 157 over Rock Creek carry?

About 1,380 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SR 157 over Rock Creek?

The structure is 189 ft (57.6 m) long with a longest span of 63 ft (19.2 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns SR 157 over Rock Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.