US Bridges

I-85 over Buffalo Creek

Good

Cherokee County, South Carolina · 7.5 MI NE of Gaffney · Structure no. 000000000002485

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
372 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
57,300
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-85 over Buffalo Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-85 over Buffalo Creek in Cherokee County, South Carolina. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 57,300 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 100,275 by 2043. The structure is 372 ft (113.4 m) long and 117 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

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CarriesI-85
CrossesBuffalo Creek
Location7.5 MI NE of Gaffney
RouteInterstate 85
CountyCherokee County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates35.13037, -81.54527
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.2 US tons
Inventory rating41.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length372 ft (113.4 m)
Longest span144 ft (43.9 m)
Deck width117 ft (35.7 m)
Roadway width114 ft (34.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic57,300 (2023)
Projected traffic100,275 by 2043
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 over Buffalo Creek built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-85 over Buffalo 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 over Buffalo Creek carry?

About 57,300 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is I-85 over Buffalo Creek?

The structure is 372 ft (113.4 m) long with a longest span of 144 ft (43.9 m) and a deck 117 ft wide.

Who owns I-85 over Buffalo Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.