US Bridges

I-285 over Sugar Creek Overflow

Good

DeKalb County, Georgia · 8 MI S of Decatur · Structure no. 000000008901010

Built
1966
59 years old, rebuilt 1979
Condition
Good
inspected March 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
114 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
145,000
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-285 over Sugar Creek Overflow is a concrete tee beam carrying I-285 over Sugar Creek Overflow in DeKalb County, Georgia. It was built in 1966 and reconstructed in 1979, so it is 59 years old, older than the Georgia average of 47.5 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 145,000 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 218,835 by 2031. The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long and 134 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

CarriesI-285
CrossesSugar Creek Overflow
Location8 MI S of Decatur
RouteInterstate 285
StateGeorgia
Coordinates33.68981, -84.30136
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.9 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length114 ft (34.7 m)
Longest span38 ft (11.6 m)
Deck width134 ft (40.9 m)
Roadway width129 ft (39.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic145,000 (2024)
Projected traffic218,835 by 2031
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure8
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesPedestrian / bicycle
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$1.8 million
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-285 over Sugar Creek Overflow built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1979.

What condition is I-285 over Sugar Creek Overflow in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in March 2024.

How much traffic does I-285 over Sugar Creek Overflow carry?

About 145,000 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is I-285 over Sugar Creek Overflow?

The structure is 114 ft (34.7 m) long with a longest span of 38 ft (11.6 m) and a deck 134 ft wide.

Who owns I-285 over Sugar Creek Overflow?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.