US Bridges

I-85 NB over Steel Creek

Fair

Anderson County, South Carolina · 7.5MI NW of Anderson · Structure no. 000000000003781

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
50,300
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-85 NB over Steel Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I-85 NB over Steel Creek in Anderson County, South Carolina. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 years old, older than the South Carolina average of 48 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 50,300 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 358 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

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CarriesI-85 NB
CrossesSteel Creek
Location7.5MI NW of Anderson
RouteInterstate 85
CountyAnderson County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.56193, -82.76081
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating92.5 US tons
Inventory rating71.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width358 ft (109.1 m)
Roadway width76 ft (23.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50,300 (2023)
Projected traffic—
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-85 NB over Steel Creek built?

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

What condition is I-85 NB over Steel 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does I-85 NB over Steel Creek carry?

About 50,300 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is I-85 NB over Steel Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 358 ft wide.

Who owns I-85 NB over Steel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.