US Bridges

I-85 N.B.L. over Uphapee Creek

Fair

Macon County, Alabama · 0.3 Mi.N Al. 81 · Structure no. 008598

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete Continuous
Length
663 ft
15 main spans
Daily traffic
16,355
2013 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-85 N.B.L. over Uphapee Creek is a concrete continuous tee beam carrying I-85 N.B.L. over Uphapee Creek in Macon County, Alabama. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 years old, older than the Alabama average of 51.1 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 16,355 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,555 by 2033. The structure is 663 ft (202.2 m) long and 56 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-85 N.B.L.
CrossesUphapee Creek
Location0.3 Mi.N Al. 81
RouteInterstate 85
CountyMacon County
StateAlabama
Coordinates32.475, -85.685
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.6 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans15
Design loadHS 20
Structure length663 ft (202.2 m)
Longest span98 ft (29.9 m)
Deck width56 ft (17 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,355 (2013)
Projected traffic21,555 by 2033
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$8.4 million (2025 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-85 N.B.L. over Uphapee Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-85 N.B.L. over Uphapee 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does I-85 N.B.L. over Uphapee Creek carry?

About 16,355 vehicles per day (2013 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is I-85 N.B.L. over Uphapee Creek?

The structure is 663 ft (202.2 m) long with a longest span of 98 ft (29.9 m) and a deck 56 ft wide.

Who owns I-85 N.B.L. over Uphapee Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.