US Bridges

US 521 over Gum Swamp Creek

Fair

Kershaw County, South Carolina · 5 MI N of Camden · Structure no. 000000000000293

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1957
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 521 over Gum Swamp Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 521 over Gum Swamp Creek in Kershaw County, South Carolina. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1957, so it is 97 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 4,000 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,960 by 2024. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 521
CrossesGum Swamp Creek
Location5 MI N of Camden
RouteU.S. Route 521
CountyKershaw County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.34028, -80.59889
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 inspectionAugust 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 adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.5 US tons
Inventory rating26.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.6 m)
Roadway width37 ft (11.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,000 (2023)
Projected traffic6,960 by 2024
Trucks19%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 521 over Gum Swamp Creek built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1957.

What condition is US 521 over Gum Swamp 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 521 over Gum Swamp Creek carry?

About 4,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is US 521 over Gum Swamp Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns US 521 over Gum Swamp Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.