US Bridges

I-526 EB over Sc 642

Fair

Charleston County, South Carolina · In N Charleston · Structure no. 000000000007969

Built
1986
39 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
232 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
41,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-526 EB over Sc 642 is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-526 EB over Sc 642 in Charleston County, South Carolina. It was built in 1986, so it is 39 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 41,500 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 63,910 by 2043. The structure is 232 ft (70.7 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-526 EB
CrossesSc 642
LocationIn N Charleston
RouteInterstate 526
CountyCharleston County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates32.85459, -80.0212
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

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.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50.7 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length232 ft (70.7 m)
Longest span127 ft (38.7 m)
Deck width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic41,500 (2023)
Projected traffic63,910 by 2043
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-526 EB over Sc 642 built?

It was built in 1986, making it 39 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-526 EB over Sc 642 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 2024.

How much traffic does I-526 EB over Sc 642 carry?

About 41,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is I-526 EB over Sc 642?

The structure is 232 ft (70.7 m) long with a longest span of 127 ft (38.7 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns I-526 EB over Sc 642?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.