US Bridges

I-85 NB over Lawson Fork Creek

Good

Spartanburg County, South Carolina · 2.4 MI NW of Spartanburg · Structure no. 000000000008671

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
381 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
42,450
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-85 NB over Lawson Fork Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-85 NB over Lawson Fork Creek in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 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 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 42,450 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 53,063 by 2043. The structure is 381 ft (116.1 m) long and 64 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesI-85 NB
CrossesLawson Fork Creek
Location2.4 MI NW of Spartanburg
RouteInterstate 85
Coordinates35.01272, -81.97038
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.9 US tons
Inventory rating40.7 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length381 ft (116.1 m)
Longest span113 ft (34.4 m)
Deck width64 ft (19.4 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic42,450 (2023)
Projected traffic53,063 by 2043
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure3
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-85 NB over Lawson Fork Creek built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-85 NB over Lawson Fork 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does I-85 NB over Lawson Fork Creek carry?

About 42,450 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is I-85 NB over Lawson Fork Creek?

The structure is 381 ft (116.1 m) long with a longest span of 113 ft (34.4 m) and a deck 64 ft wide.

Who owns I-85 NB over Lawson Fork Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.