SR166 Bridge over Anneewakee Creek

Overview

On Monday September 21, 2009, the State Route 166 Bridge over Anneewakee Creek was closed to traffic due to flooding in the area. Waters from the creek rushed into the beams of the bridge and washed away part of the roadway approach. After the waters receded, Georgia DOT inspectors determined the approach slab had been undermined therefore the bridge could not be immediately reopened.

Follow-up inspections by the Department’s underwater team confirmed the creek bed eroded 10 feet since the flood. Additionally, the foundation soil around the bridge columns eroded – in one case more than six feet – which undermined the bridge support structure.

Considering the bridge's age (built in 1957) and type of damage, Georgia DOT recommended to the Federal Highway Administration on September 30th that the bridge be replaced. FHWA concurred with this conclusion.

Press Releases

Impact on Travel

List of Douglas County roads impacted by the flooding

Photos

View photo gallery of the Anneewakee Creek bridge closure

What’s Next

Efforts are underway to secure necessary federal highway funds for reconstruction. Georgia DOT bridge designers are already designing a replacement bridge. Surveyors will be on site beginning Friday, Oct. 2 and through the weekend. A geophysical review of the site including drilling and soil tests will begin Monday Oct 5.

Georgia DOT’s goal is to complete the design and have it ready for the October 16 letting. The new bridge will be two lanes and designed to accommodate the wider creek banks. The new bridge is estimated to cost between $2 and $3 million and could be completed in six months from the date the bid is awarded.