US Bridges

SR 255 over Chickamauga Creek

FairPosted for load

White County, Georgia · 4.1 MI E of Helen · Structure no. 000000031100300

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
148 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
640
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 255 over Chickamauga Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 255 over Chickamauga Creek in White County, Georgia. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 640 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,420 by 2032. The structure is 148 ft (45.1 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 255
CrossesChickamauga Creek
Location4.1 MI E of Helen
RouteState Highway 255
CountyWhite County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.7119, -83.65746
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating25.9 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length148 ft (45.1 m)
Longest span37 ft (11.3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.2 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic640 (2024)
Projected traffic3,420 by 2032
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

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$867,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 255 over Chickamauga Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 255 over Chickamauga 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does SR 255 over Chickamauga Creek carry?

About 640 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SR 255 over Chickamauga Creek?

The structure is 148 ft (45.1 m) long with a longest span of 37 ft (11.3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns SR 255 over Chickamauga Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.