US Bridges

SR 71 over Pitner Branch

Good

Whitfield County, Georgia · 2.5 MI NE of Varnell · Structure no. 000000031300300

Built
1933
92 years old, rebuilt 1998
Condition
Good
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
10,500
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 71 over Pitner Branch is a concrete culvert carrying SR 71 over Pitner Branch in Whitfield County, Georgia. It was built in 1933 and reconstructed in 1998, 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 10,500 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,040 by 2031. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long.

CarriesSR 71
CrossesPitner Branch
Location2.5 MI NE of Varnell
RouteState Highway 71
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.92922, -84.94482
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating70 US tons
Inventory rating42 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.8 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 traffic10,500 (2024)
Projected traffic14,040 by 2031
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$341,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 71 over Pitner Branch built?

It was built in 1933, making it 92 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1998.

What condition is SR 71 over Pitner Branch 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does SR 71 over Pitner Branch carry?

About 10,500 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SR 71 over Pitner Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns SR 71 over Pitner Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.