US Bridges

I-85 NB over Thicketty Creek

Good

Cherokee County, South Carolina · 3.9MI W of Gaffney · Structure no. 000000000002484

Built
2002
23 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
380 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
66,900
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-85 NB over Thicketty Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-85 NB over Thicketty Creek in Cherokee County, South Carolina. It was built in 2002, so it is 23 years old, younger than the South Carolina average of 48 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 66,900 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 117,075 by 2043. The structure is 380 ft (115.8 m) long and 115 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesI-85 NB
CrossesThicketty Creek
Location3.9MI W of Gaffney
RouteInterstate 85
CountyCherokee County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates35.07739, -81.72394
Functional classRural 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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating57.1 US tons
Inventory rating44 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length380 ft (115.8 m)
Longest span140 ft (42.7 m)
Deck width115 ft (35.1 m)
Roadway width110 ft (33.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic66,900 (2023)
Projected traffic117,075 by 2043
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-85 NB over Thicketty Creek built?

It was built in 2002, making it 23 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-85 NB over Thicketty Creek 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 October 2023.

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

About 66,900 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is I-85 NB over Thicketty Creek?

The structure is 380 ft (115.8 m) long with a longest span of 140 ft (42.7 m) and a deck 115 ft wide.

Who owns I-85 NB over Thicketty Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.