US Bridges

U.S. 221 over J. Strom Thurmond Dam

Fair

Columbia County, Georgia · J.Strom Thurmond Dam · Structure no. CEPSASGASCJST01

Built
1950
75 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
1,096 ft
23 main spans
Daily traffic
1,350
2020 count
Owner
Federal
Corps of Engineers (Civil)

About this bridge

U.S. 221 over J. Strom Thurmond Dam is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying U.S. 221 over J. Strom Thurmond Dam in Columbia County, Georgia. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 years old, older than the Georgia average of 47.5 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 1,350 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,755 by 2042. The structure is 1,096 ft (334 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 47.2 mi (76 km).

CarriesU.S. 221
CrossesJ. Strom Thurmond Dam
LocationJ.Strom Thurmond Dam
RouteU.S. Route 221
StateGeorgia
Coordinates33.66111, -82.20049
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection9 ExcellentNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.1 US tons
Inventory rating40 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans23 (+21 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,096 ft (334 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,350 (2020)
Projected traffic1,755 by 2042
Trucks20%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed47.2 mi (76 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Maintained byCorps of Engineers (Civil)
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$303,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was U.S. 221 over J. Strom Thurmond Dam built?

It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.

What condition is U.S. 221 over J. Strom Thurmond Dam 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does U.S. 221 over J. Strom Thurmond Dam carry?

About 1,350 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.

How long is U.S. 221 over J. Strom Thurmond Dam?

The structure is 1,096 ft (334 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns U.S. 221 over J. Strom Thurmond Dam?

It is owned by the Corps of Engineers (Civil).