US Bridges

SR 286 over Smithey Branch

Fair

Whitfield County, Georgia · 7.5 MI NE of Dalton · Structure no. 000000031300370

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
180 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,130
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 286 over Smithey Branch is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 286 over Smithey Branch in Whitfield County, Georgia. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 6,130 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,805 by 2031. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSR 286
CrossesSmithey Branch
Location7.5 MI NE of Dalton
RouteState Highway 286
CountyWhitfield County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.82918, -84.85661
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.9 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span45 ft (13.7 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,130 (2024)
Projected traffic8,805 by 2031
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 286 over Smithey Branch built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 286 over Smithey Branch 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does SR 286 over Smithey Branch carry?

About 6,130 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is SR 286 over Smithey Branch?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 45 ft (13.7 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns SR 286 over Smithey Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.