US Bridges

US 321 over S. Edisto River

Fair

Bamberg County, South Carolina · 7MI N of Denmark · Structure no. 000000000001920

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
394 ft
13 main spans
Daily traffic
3,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 321 over S. Edisto River is a concrete tee beam carrying US 321 over S. Edisto River in Bamberg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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 3,000 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,220 by 2043. The structure is 394 ft (120.1 m) long and 27 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 321
CrossesS. Edisto River
Location7MI N of Denmark
RouteU.S. Route 321
CountyBamberg County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.39357, -81.13331
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.3 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans13
Design loadHS 15
Structure length394 ft (120.1 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,000 (2023)
Projected traffic5,220 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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$1.1 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 321 over S. Edisto River built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 321 over S. Edisto River 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 321 over S. Edisto River carry?

About 3,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 321 over S. Edisto River?

The structure is 394 ft (120.1 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns US 321 over S. Edisto River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.