US 21 SB over Beaufort River
PoorBeaufort County, South Carolina · Southeast of Beaufort · Structure no. 000000000007425
- Built
- 1979
- 46 years old
- Condition
- Poor
- inspected September 2024
- Type
- Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
- Steel Continuous
- Length
- 4,210 ft
- 15 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 14,400
- 2023 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
US 21 SB over Beaufort River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 21 SB over Beaufort River in Beaufort County, South Carolina. It was built in 1979, so it is 46 years old, younger 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 14,400 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 16,128 by 2043. The structure is 4,210 ft (1,283.2 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
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.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Substructure | 4 Poor | Advanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was US 21 SB over Beaufort River built?
It was built in 1979, making it 46 years old in 2025.
What condition is US 21 SB over Beaufort River 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 September 2024.
How much traffic does US 21 SB over Beaufort River carry?
About 14,400 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.
How long is US 21 SB over Beaufort River?
The structure is 4,210 ft (1,283.2 m) long with a longest span of 170 ft (51.8 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.
Who owns US 21 SB over Beaufort River?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.