US Bridges

I-85 over Southern Railroad

Good

Cherokee County, South Carolina · 4.0 MI N of Blacksburg · Structure no. 000000000010207

Built
2019
6 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
156 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
50,700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-85 over Southern Railroad is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-85 over Southern Railroad in Cherokee County, South Carolina. It was built in 2019, so it is 6 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 50,700 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 88,725 by 2043. The structure is 156 ft (47.5 m) long and 111 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-85
CrossesSouthern Railroad
Location4.0 MI N of Blacksburg
RouteInterstate 85
CountyCherokee County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates35.15976, -81.46721
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.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 20
Structure length156 ft (47.5 m)
Longest span156 ft (47.5 m)
Deck width111 ft (33.8 m)
Roadway width106 ft (32.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic50,700 (2023)
Projected traffic88,725 by 2043
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-85 over Southern Railroad built?

It was built in 2019, making it 6 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-85 over Southern Railroad 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 Southern Railroad carry?

About 50,700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is I-85 over Southern Railroad?

The structure is 156 ft (47.5 m) long with a longest span of 156 ft (47.5 m) and a deck 111 ft wide.

Who owns I-85 over Southern Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.