US Bridges

US 29 over Southern Railroad

Poor

Cherokee County, South Carolina · City Limits Blacksburg · Structure no. 000000000000263

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
108 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 29 over Southern Railroad is a concrete tee beam carrying US 29 over Southern Railroad in Cherokee County, South Carolina. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 years old, older 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 7,600 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,224 by 2043. The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 29
CrossesSouthern Railroad
LocationCity Limits Blacksburg
RouteU.S. Route 29
CountyCherokee County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates35.12425, -81.50927
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Poor

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.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating39.2 US tons
Inventory rating30.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length108 ft (32.9 m)
Longest span36 ft (11 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.4 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,600 (2023)
Projected traffic13,224 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesOther
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$789,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 29 over Southern Railroad built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 29 over Southern Railroad 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 29 over Southern Railroad carry?

About 7,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 29 over Southern Railroad?

The structure is 108 ft (32.9 m) long with a longest span of 36 ft (11 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns US 29 over Southern Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.