US Bridges

I-85 NB over Fairplay Creek

Fair

Oconee County, South Carolina · 12.8 MI SE Westminster · Structure no. 000000000003711

Built
1961
64 years old, rebuilt 1976
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
656 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
23,650
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-85 NB over Fairplay Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-85 NB over Fairplay Creek in Oconee County, South Carolina. It was built in 1961 and reconstructed in 1976, so it is 64 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 23,650 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 41,388 by 2043. The structure is 656 ft (199.9 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesI-85 NB
CrossesFairplay Creek
Location12.8 MI SE Westminster
RouteInterstate 85
CountyOconee County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.49251, -83.01603
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80.4 US tons
Inventory rating47.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadHS 20
Structure length656 ft (199.9 m)
Longest span80 ft (24.4 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic23,650 (2023)
Projected traffic41,388 by 2043
Trucks25%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 NB over Fairplay Creek built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1976.

What condition is I-85 NB over Fairplay 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 NB over Fairplay Creek carry?

About 23,650 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is I-85 NB over Fairplay Creek?

The structure is 656 ft (199.9 m) long with a longest span of 80 ft (24.4 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns I-85 NB over Fairplay Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.