US Bridges

US 21 over S.C.9 & L & C RR

Fair

Chester County, South Carolina · Town of Fort Lawn · Structure no. 000000000003614

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
303 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
4,100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 21 over S.C.9 & L & C RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 21 over S.C.9 & L & C RR in Chester County, South Carolina. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 4,100 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,986 by 2043. The structure is 303 ft (92.4 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 21
CrossesS.C.9 & L & C RR
LocationTown of Fort Lawn
RouteU.S. Route 21
CountyChester County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.7021, -80.89486
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.2 US tons
Inventory rating47.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+5 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length303 ft (92.4 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,100 (2023)
Projected traffic5,986 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$705,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 21 over S.C.9 & L & C RR built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 21 over S.C.9 & L & C RR 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US 21 over S.C.9 & L & C RR carry?

About 4,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 21 over S.C.9 & L & C RR?

The structure is 303 ft (92.4 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US 21 over S.C.9 & L & C RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.