US Bridges

I-85 NB over Hartwell Reservoir

Fair

Columbia County, Georgia · Ga/Sc State Line · Structure no. 000000014790020

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
738 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
24,700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-85 NB over Hartwell Reservoir is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-85 NB over Hartwell Reservoir in Columbia County, Georgia. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 24,700 vehicles a day, roughly 29% of them trucks, projected to reach 43,225 by 2043. The structure is 738 ft (224.9 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-85 NB
CrossesHartwell Reservoir
LocationGa/Sc State Line
RouteInterstate 85
CountyColumbia County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.48376, -83.02837
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.2 US tons
Inventory rating28.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadH 20
Structure length738 ft (224.9 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,700 (2023)
Projected traffic43,225 by 2043
Trucks29%
Lanes on structure2
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$5,000 (2023 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-85 NB over Hartwell Reservoir built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-85 NB over Hartwell Reservoir 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 2023.

How much traffic does I-85 NB over Hartwell Reservoir carry?

About 24,700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 29% are trucks.

How long is I-85 NB over Hartwell Reservoir?

The structure is 738 ft (224.9 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns I-85 NB over Hartwell Reservoir?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.