US Bridges

US 29 over Southern Railroad

Fair

Cherokee County, South Carolina · 3.5 MI W of Gaffney · Structure no. 000000000000717

Built
1936
89 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
195 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
8,200
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 1936, so it is 89 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 5 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 8,200 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,268 by 2043. The structure is 195 ft (59.3 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 29
CrossesSouthern Railroad
Location3.5 MI W of Gaffney
RouteU.S. Route 29
CountyCherokee County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates35.03667, -81.70167
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating49.6 US tons
Inventory rating38.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length195 ft (59.3 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.5 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,200 (2023)
Projected traffic14,268 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$768,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 29 over Southern Railroad built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 29 over Southern Railroad 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 November 2023.

How much traffic does US 29 over Southern Railroad carry?

About 8,200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 29 over Southern Railroad?

The structure is 195 ft (59.3 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.5 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns US 29 over Southern Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.