Gilmer County officials report 18 road sites damaged after Wednesday storms
Emergency crews are working to stabilize washed-out culverts and a destroyed bridge in north Georgia as inspections continue.
By Ivan Dvorak ·
County officials identified 18 distinct locations with structural damage or infrastructure failures in Gilmer County, Georgia, following heavy rainfall on Wednesday night.
The Gilmer County Sheriff's Office announced the findings on Friday morning. The storm caused rushing runoff that clogged pipes, eroded roadbeds, and collapsed several crossings. At least one bridge was completely washed out.
The most severe structural loss occurred at the end of Zion Hill Road, where the bridge gave way. A roadway intersection at Conasauga Road and Shakerag Road also sustained a washout. Other sites included Cowboy Trail, White Cliff Drive, and Bushy Head Road, where culverts and headwalls failed.
Field crews are currently assessing the full extent of the damage. The current list of 18 sites may not be exhaustive, as inspections of compromised roadways are still ongoing. Officials have not provided a timeline for when repairs will be completed or when specific routes will reopen to regular traffic.
The sheriff's office urged drivers to exercise caution. Motorists should avoid driving across washed-out sections, bypassing safety barricades, or crossing standing water. Officials warned that erosion can hollow out the ground beneath asphalt, creating a risk of sudden collapse even if the surface appears intact.
The Gilmer County Road Department and the Emergency Management Agency are working long hours to stabilize the roads. The sheriff's office thanked these crews for their efforts to address hazardous conditions. "Please allow crews room to work and use alternate routes where necessary," the agency stated.
Residents facing immediate emergencies should call 911. Non-emergency road hazards can be reported to Gilmer County Dispatch at 706-635-8911. The list of damaged sites includes Chopped Oak Road, Gates Chapel Road, Old Flat Branch Road, Parks Road, Flag Pole Road, Dale Valley Lane, Rock Creek Road, West Mountaintown Trail, Harper Valley Road, Goose Island Road, John Waters Road, Lucius Road, Rodgers Creek Road, and Bushy Head Road.
