US Bridges

US 21 over Murph Mill Creek

Fair

Calhoun County, South Carolina · 7MI W of ST Matthews · Structure no. 000000000001011

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 21 over Murph Mill Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 21 over Murph Mill Creek in Calhoun County, South Carolina. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 5,000 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,300 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS 21
CrossesMurph Mill Creek
Location7MI W of ST Matthews
RouteU.S. Route 21
Coordinates33.63517, -80.89136
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating36 US tons
Inventory rating21.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,000 (2023)
Projected traffic7,300 by 2043
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 21 over Murph Mill Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 21 over Murph Mill 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 21 over Murph Mill Creek carry?

About 5,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US 21 over Murph Mill Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 21 over Murph Mill Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.