US Bridges

US 21 over Buckhead Creek (2)

Poor

Colleton County, South Carolina · 0.5MI N Ruffin · Structure no. 000000000002160

Built
1955
70 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected March 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
128 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,250
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 21 over Buckhead Creek (2) is a concrete tee beam carrying US 21 over Buckhead Creek (2) in Colleton County, South Carolina. It was built in 1955, so it is 70 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 1,250 vehicles a day, roughly 28% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,988 by 2043. The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 21
CrossesBuckhead Creek (2)
Location0.5MI N Ruffin
RouteU.S. Route 21
CountyColleton County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.01847, -80.81182
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMarch 2025
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.3 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length128 ft (39 m)
Longest span32 ft (9.8 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,250 (2023)
Projected traffic1,988 by 2043
Trucks28%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$205,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 21 over Buckhead Creek (2) built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 21 over Buckhead Creek (2) 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 March 2025.

How much traffic does US 21 over Buckhead Creek (2) carry?

About 1,250 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 28% are trucks.

How long is US 21 over Buckhead Creek (2)?

The structure is 128 ft (39 m) long with a longest span of 32 ft (9.8 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns US 21 over Buckhead Creek (2)?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.