US Bridges

US 221 over Saluda River

Fair

Greenwood County, South Carolina · 8.5 MI NE Greenwood · Structure no. 000000000008265

Built
1989
36 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
1,005 ft
14 main spans
Daily traffic
15,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 221 over Saluda River is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 221 over Saluda River in Greenwood County, South Carolina. It was built in 1989, so it is 36 years old, younger 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 15,000 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 23,400 by 2043. The structure is 1,005 ft (306.3 m) long and 63 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 221
CrossesSaluda River
Location8.5 MI NE Greenwood
RouteU.S. Route 221
CountyGreenwood County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.27908, -82.05883
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating74 US tons
Inventory rating44.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans14 (+1 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length1,005 ft (306.3 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width63 ft (19.3 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,000 (2023)
Projected traffic23,400 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 221 over Saluda River built?

It was built in 1989, making it 36 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 221 over Saluda 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US 221 over Saluda River carry?

About 15,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 221 over Saluda River?

The structure is 1,005 ft (306.3 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 63 ft wide.

Who owns US 221 over Saluda River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.