US Bridges

US 280 over Bear Creek

Good

Wheeler County, Georgia · 1.5 MI E of Alamo · Structure no. 000000030900110

Built
1933
92 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
2,840
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 280 over Bear Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 280 over Bear Creek in Wheeler County, Georgia. It was built in 1933, so it is 92 years old, older than the Georgia average of 47.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 2,840 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,705 by 2031. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS 280
CrossesBear Creek
Location1.5 MI E of Alamo
RouteU.S. Route 280
StateGeorgia
Coordinates32.16103, -82.73207
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.9 US tons
Inventory rating37.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 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 traffic2,840 (2024)
Projected traffic3,705 by 2031
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$123,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 280 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 280 over Bear Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2024.

How much traffic does US 280 over Bear Creek carry?

About 2,840 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is US 280 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns US 280 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.