US Bridges

Sc 421 over Stream

Poor

Aiken County, South Carolina · 4 MI W of Aiken · Structure no. 000000000002449

Built
1927
98 years old, rebuilt 1963
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sc 421 over Stream is a concrete culvert carrying Sc 421 over Stream in Aiken County, South Carolina. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 1963, so it is 98 years old, older than the South Carolina average of 48 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 5,700 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,871 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSc 421
CrossesStream
Location4 MI W of Aiken
RouteState Highway 421
CountyAiken County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.55429, -81.78851
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.3 US tons
Inventory rating29.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.7 m)
Roadway width59 ft (18.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,700 (2023)
Projected traffic5,871 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$58,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sc 421 over Stream built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1963.

What condition is Sc 421 over Stream in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2025.

How much traffic does Sc 421 over Stream carry?

About 5,700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is Sc 421 over Stream?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns Sc 421 over Stream?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.