US Bridges

Houston Valley Rd. over Dry Creek

FairPosted for load

Whitfield County, Georgia · 5 MI SW of Tunnel Hill · Structure no. 000000031350400

Built
1950
75 years old, rebuilt 1969
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
1,740
2024 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

Houston Valley Rd. over Dry Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Houston Valley Rd. over Dry Creek in Whitfield County, Georgia. It was built in 1950 and reconstructed in 1969, so it is 75 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,740 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 900 by 2031. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesHouston Valley Rd.
CrossesDry Creek
Location5 MI SW of Tunnel Hill
RouteCounty Highway 326
CountyWhitfield County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.80128, -85.11568
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating39.9 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.2 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,740 (2024)
Projected traffic900 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$176,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Houston Valley Rd. over Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1969.

What condition is Houston Valley Rd. over Dry 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Houston Valley Rd. over Dry Creek carry?

About 1,740 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Houston Valley Rd. over Dry Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns Houston Valley Rd. over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.