US Bridges

US 321 over Sandy River

FairPosted for load

Chester County, South Carolina · 2.3MI N of Chester · Structure no. 000000000001018

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 2024
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
150 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,750
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 321 over Sandy River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 321 over Sandy River in Chester County, South Carolina. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 2024, 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 5 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,750 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,783 by 2043. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS 321
CrossesSandy River
Location2.3MI N of Chester
RouteU.S. Route 321
Coordinates34.73106, -81.23799
Functional classRural 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.3 US tons
Inventory rating24.3 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,750 (2023)
Projected traffic2,783 by 2043
Trucks8%
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 321 over Sandy River built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2024.

What condition is US 321 over Sandy River 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does US 321 over Sandy River carry?

About 1,750 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 321 over Sandy River?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns US 321 over Sandy River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.