US Bridges

I-85 over Laurel Creek

Fair

Greenville County, South Carolina · 4.0 MI E of Greenville · Structure no. 000000000003288

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
113,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-85 over Laurel Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I-85 over Laurel Creek in Greenville County, South Carolina. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 5 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 113,800 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 162,734 by 2043. The structure is 28 ft (8.4 m) long and 328 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-85
CrossesLaurel Creek
Location4.0 MI E of Greenville
RouteInterstate 85
CountyGreenville County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.81518, -82.33067
Functional classUrban 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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating107.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length28 ft (8.4 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width328 ft (99.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic113,800 (2023)
Projected traffic162,734 by 2043
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Laurel Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-85 over Laurel 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does I-85 over Laurel Creek carry?

About 113,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is I-85 over Laurel Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.4 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 328 ft wide.

Who owns I-85 over Laurel Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.