US Bridges

US 278/SC 125 over S C 421

Fair

Aiken County, South Carolina · 2 MI E of N Augusta · Structure no. 000000000001847

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
95 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
8,100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278/SC 125 over S C 421 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 278/SC 125 over S C 421 in Aiken County, South Carolina. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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 8,100 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,343 by 2043. The structure is 95 ft (29 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 278/SC 125
CrossesS C 421
Location2 MI E of N Augusta
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyAiken County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.48905, -81.91989
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.2 US tons
Inventory rating41.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length95 ft (29 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.7 m)
Deck width66 ft (20 m)
Roadway width58 ft (17.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,100 (2023)
Projected traffic8,343 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 US 278/SC 125 over S C 421 built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278/SC 125 over S C 421 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US 278/SC 125 over S C 421 carry?

About 8,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 278/SC 125 over S C 421?

The structure is 95 ft (29 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.7 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns US 278/SC 125 over S C 421?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.