US Bridges

I-85 Nbl over Stephens Creek

Fair

Franklin County, Georgia · 1.2 MI NW of Carnesville · Structure no. 000000011900440

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
96 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
46,700
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-85 Nbl over Stephens Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying I-85 Nbl over Stephens Creek in Franklin County, Georgia. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 62 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 46,700 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 56,910 by 2031. The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesI-85 Nbl
CrossesStephens Creek
Location1.2 MI NW of Carnesville
RouteInterstate 85
StateGeorgia
Coordinates34.37824, -83.25259
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 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 rating48 US tons
Inventory rating29 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length96 ft (29.3 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic46,700 (2024)
Projected traffic56,910 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$563,000
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-85 Nbl over Stephens Creek built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is I-85 Nbl over Stephens 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 Nbl over Stephens Creek carry?

About 46,700 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is I-85 Nbl over Stephens Creek?

The structure is 96 ft (29.3 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns I-85 Nbl over Stephens Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.