US Bridges

US 321 over Black Creek

Fair

Hampton County, South Carolina · N Estill Cl · Structure no. 000000000000185

Built
1925
100 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 321 over Black Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 321 over Black Creek in Hampton County, South Carolina. It was built in 1925, so it is 100 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 3,800 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,612 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 321
CrossesBlack Creek
LocationN Estill Cl
RouteU.S. Route 321
CountyHampton County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates32.76999, -81.24096
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating36.8 US tons
Inventory rating22.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,800 (2023)
Projected traffic6,612 by 2043
Trucks16%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$58,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 321 over Black Creek built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 321 over Black Creek 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 321 over Black Creek carry?

About 3,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is US 321 over Black Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 321 over Black Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.