US Bridges

S-21-69 over Sparrow Swamp

Fair

Florence County, South Carolina · 1 MI NE Sardis · Structure no. 000000000002723

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
120 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
350
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-21-69 over Sparrow Swamp is a concrete slab carrying S-21-69 over Sparrow Swamp in Florence County, South Carolina. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 67 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 6 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 350 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 487 by 2043. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-21-69
CrossesSparrow Swamp
Location1 MI NE Sardis
RouteState Highway 69
CountyFlorence County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.05788, -79.93181
Functional classRural Minor 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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating31.4 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans8
Design loadH 10
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic350 (2023)
Projected traffic487 by 2043
Trucks16%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-21-69 over Sparrow Swamp built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is S-21-69 over Sparrow Swamp 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does S-21-69 over Sparrow Swamp carry?

About 350 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is S-21-69 over Sparrow Swamp?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns S-21-69 over Sparrow Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.