US Bridges

I-85 Sbl over Nails Creek

Fair

Franklin County, Georgia · 6.5 MI SW of Carnesville · Structure no. 000000011900390

Built
1962
63 years old, rebuilt 1981
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
153 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
53,800
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-85 Sbl over Nails Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-85 Sbl over Nails Creek in Franklin County, Georgia. It was built in 1962 and reconstructed in 1981, so it is 63 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 53,800 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 59,610 by 2031. The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-85 Sbl
CrossesNails Creek
Location6.5 MI SW of Carnesville
RouteInterstate 85
CountyFranklin County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.33757, -83.33893
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43 US tons
Inventory rating24.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length153 ft (46.6 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic53,800 (2024)
Projected traffic59,610 by 2031
Trucks1%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost$897,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-85 Sbl over Nails Creek built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1981.

What condition is I-85 Sbl over Nails 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does I-85 Sbl over Nails Creek carry?

About 53,800 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is I-85 Sbl over Nails Creek?

The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns I-85 Sbl over Nails Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.