US Bridges

Vulcan Road over Rock Creek

FairPosted for load

Walker County, Georgia · 6.9 MI NW of Chickamauga · Structure no. 000000029550590

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
41 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
480
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Vulcan Road over Rock Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Vulcan Road over Rock Creek in Walker County, Georgia. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 480 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 525 by 2031. The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesVulcan Road
CrossesRock Creek
Location6.9 MI NW of Chickamauga
RouteCounty Highway 392
CountyWalker County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.89169, -85.4108
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Operating rating19 US tons
Inventory rating10.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length41 ft (12.5 m)
Longest span21 ft (6.4 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic480 (2024)
Projected traffic525 by 2031
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$240,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Vulcan Road over Rock Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is Vulcan Road over Rock 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does Vulcan Road over Rock Creek carry?

About 480 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Vulcan Road over Rock Creek?

The structure is 41 ft (12.5 m) long with a longest span of 21 ft (6.4 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Vulcan Road over Rock Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.