US Bridges

I-85 SB over Pacolet River

Good

Spartanburg County, South Carolina · 3.0 MI NW of Cowpens · Structure no. 000000000009363

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
509 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
34,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-85 SB over Pacolet River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-85 SB over Pacolet River in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 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 34,500 vehicles a day, roughly 25% of them trucks, projected to reach 43,125 by 2043. The structure is 509 ft (155 m) long and 54 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesI-85 SB
CrossesPacolet River
Location3.0 MI NW of Cowpens
RouteInterstate 85
Coordinates35.03307, -81.85009
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.5 US tons
Inventory rating36.4 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length509 ft (155 m)
Longest span148 ft (45.1 m)
Deck width54 ft (16.6 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic34,500 (2023)
Projected traffic43,125 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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-85 SB over Pacolet River built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-85 SB over Pacolet River 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does I-85 SB over Pacolet River carry?

About 34,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 25% are trucks.

How long is I-85 SB over Pacolet River?

The structure is 509 ft (155 m) long with a longest span of 148 ft (45.1 m) and a deck 54 ft wide.

Who owns I-85 SB over Pacolet River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.