US Bridges

US 521 SB over Twelve Mile Creek

Fair

Lancaster County, South Carolina · 12.0 MI N of Lancaster · Structure no. 000000000000294

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1977
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
284 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
12,150
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 521 SB over Twelve Mile Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 521 SB over Twelve Mile Creek in Lancaster County, South Carolina. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1977, 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 12,150 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 15,917 by 2043. The structure is 284 ft (86.6 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 521 SB
CrossesTwelve Mile Creek
Location12.0 MI N of Lancaster
RouteU.S. Route 521
Coordinates34.91544, -80.81534
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
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.1 US tons
Inventory rating32.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+10 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length284 ft (86.6 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,150 (2023)
Projected traffic15,917 by 2043
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-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 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 US 521 SB over Twelve Mile Creek built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1977.

What condition is US 521 SB over Twelve Mile 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 September 2024.

How much traffic does US 521 SB over Twelve Mile Creek carry?

About 12,150 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is US 521 SB over Twelve Mile Creek?

The structure is 284 ft (86.6 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 521 SB over Twelve Mile Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.