US Bridges

US 21 over Battery Creek

Fair

Beaufort County, South Carolina · In Port Royal · Structure no. 000000000008713

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
3,164 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
32,900
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 21 over Battery Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 21 over Battery Creek in Beaufort County, South Carolina. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 years old, younger 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 32,900 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 36,848 by 2043. The structure is 3,164 ft (964.4 m) long and 75 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 21
CrossesBattery Creek
LocationIn Port Royal
RouteU.S. Route 21
CountyBeaufort County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates32.37739, -80.71445
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating56.8 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3 (+34 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length3,164 ft (964.4 m)
Longest span150 ft (45.7 m)
Deck width75 ft (22.8 m)
Roadway width72 ft (21.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic32,900 (2023)
Projected traffic36,848 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and waterway
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 21 over Battery Creek built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 21 over Battery 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US 21 over Battery Creek carry?

About 32,900 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US 21 over Battery Creek?

The structure is 3,164 ft (964.4 m) long with a longest span of 150 ft (45.7 m) and a deck 75 ft wide.

Who owns US 21 over Battery Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.