US Bridges

Sc 81 over Cox Creek

Fair

Anderson County, South Carolina · 1.8MI NE of Anderson · Structure no. 000000000001992

Built
1954
71 years old, rebuilt 1964
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
48 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
29,200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sc 81 over Cox Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Sc 81 over Cox Creek in Anderson County, South Carolina. It was built in 1954 and reconstructed in 1964, so it is 71 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 6 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 29,200 vehicles a day, roughly 1% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,208 by 2043. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 65 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSc 81
CrossesCox Creek
Location1.8MI NE of Anderson
RouteState Highway 81
CountyAnderson County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.52617, -82.63886
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 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 rating35.4 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span24 ft (7.3 m)
Deck width65 ft (19.7 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,200 (2023)
Projected traffic36,208 by 2043
Trucks1%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$77,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sc 81 over Cox Creek built?

It was built in 1954, making it 71 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1964.

What condition is Sc 81 over Cox Creek 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does Sc 81 over Cox Creek carry?

About 29,200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 1% are trucks.

How long is Sc 81 over Cox Creek?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 24 ft (7.3 m) and a deck 65 ft wide.

Who owns Sc 81 over Cox Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.