US Bridges

US 521 over Big Pine Tree Creek

Fair

Kershaw County, South Carolina · 1MI S of Camden · Structure no. 000000000000424

Built
1930
95 years old, rebuilt 1973
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
29 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
16,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 521 over Big Pine Tree Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 521 over Big Pine Tree Creek in Kershaw County, South Carolina. It was built in 1930 and reconstructed in 1973, so it is 95 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 16,500 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 25,740 by 2043. The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long and 132 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 521
CrossesBig Pine Tree Creek
Location1MI S of Camden
RouteU.S. Route 521
CountyKershaw County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.22404, -80.60108
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45.3 US tons
Inventory rating27.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length29 ft (8.8 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width132 ft (40.2 m)
Roadway width100 ft (30.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,500 (2023)
Projected traffic25,740 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 521 over Big Pine Tree Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1973.

What condition is US 521 over Big Pine Tree 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US 521 over Big Pine Tree Creek carry?

About 16,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 521 over Big Pine Tree Creek?

The structure is 29 ft (8.8 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 132 ft wide.

Who owns US 521 over Big Pine Tree Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.