US Bridges

M.L.K. Jr. Drive over I-285

Fair

Fulton County, Georgia · In W Atlanta · Structure no. 000000012100830

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
234 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
29,000
2024 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

M.L.K. Jr. Drive over I-285 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying M.L.K. Jr. Drive over I-285 in Fulton County, Georgia. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 6 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 29,000 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,590 by 2032. The structure is 234 ft (71.3 m) long and 62 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesM.L.K. Jr. Drive
CrossesI-285
LocationIn W Atlanta
RouteState Highway 139
CountyFulton County
StateGeorgia
Coordinates33.75359, -84.49554
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length234 ft (71.3 m)
Longest span82 ft (25 m)
Deck width62 ft (18.9 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,000 (2024)
Projected traffic31,590 by 2032
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was M.L.K. Jr. Drive over I-285 built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is M.L.K. Jr. Drive over I-285 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does M.L.K. Jr. Drive over I-285 carry?

About 29,000 vehicles per day (2024 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is M.L.K. Jr. Drive over I-285?

The structure is 234 ft (71.3 m) long with a longest span of 82 ft (25 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns M.L.K. Jr. Drive over I-285?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.