US Bridges

US 521 over Gills Creek

Fair

Lancaster County, South Carolina · City of Lancaster · Structure no. 000000000002198

Built
1929
96 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
70 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
10,400
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 521 over Gills Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 521 over Gills Creek in Lancaster County, South Carolina. It was built in 1929, so it is 96 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 10,400 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,664 by 2043. The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long and 67 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 521
CrossesGills Creek
LocationCity of Lancaster
RouteU.S. Route 521
CountyLancaster County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.72989, -80.7761
Functional classUrban Minor 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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating31.1 US tons
Inventory rating15 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length70 ft (21.3 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width67 ft (20.5 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,400 (2023)
Projected traffic14,664 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$549,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 521 over Gills Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 521 over Gills 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 Gills Creek carry?

About 10,400 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 521 over Gills Creek?

The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 67 ft wide.

Who owns US 521 over Gills Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.