US Bridges

S-21-972 over Burgess Canal

Fair

Florence County, South Carolina · 4MI SE Olanta · Structure no. 000000000005729

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-21-972 over Burgess Canal is a concrete slab carrying S-21-972 over Burgess Canal in Florence County, South Carolina. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 200 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 256 by 2043. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesS-21-972
CrossesBurgess Canal
Location4MI SE Olanta
RouteState Highway 972
Coordinates33.88994, -79.88973
Functional classRural Local

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 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 rating30.8 US tons
Inventory rating18.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (2023)
Projected traffic256 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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-21-972 over Burgess Canal built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-21-972 over Burgess Canal 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-21-972 over Burgess Canal carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is S-21-972 over Burgess Canal?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns S-21-972 over Burgess Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.