US Bridges

I-85 over Frey Creek

Fair

Spartanburg County, South Carolina · 4.0 MI E of Wellford · Structure no. 000000000003497

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 1994
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
24 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
97,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-85 over Frey Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I-85 over Frey Creek in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 1994, 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 97,800 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 122,250 by 2043. The structure is 24 ft (7.2 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-85
CrossesFrey Creek
Location4.0 MI E of Wellford
RouteInterstate 85
CountySpartanburg County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.96, -82.055
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 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
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.1 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length24 ft (7.2 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic97,800 (2023)
Projected traffic122,250 by 2043
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure8
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 Frey Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1994.

What condition is I-85 over Frey 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 February 2024.

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

About 97,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is I-85 over Frey Creek?

The structure is 24 ft (7.2 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m).

Who owns I-85 over Frey Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.