US Bridges

US 521 over Bear Creek

Fair

Lancaster County, South Carolina · 2.3 MI E of Lancaster · Structure no. 000000000004579

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
150 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
9,400
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 521 over Bear Creek is a concrete slab carrying US 521 over Bear Creek in Lancaster County, South Carolina. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 9,400 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,664 by 2043. The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 521
CrossesBear Creek
Location2.3 MI E of Lancaster
RouteU.S. Route 521
Coordinates34.70488, -80.74568
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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.2 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length150 ft (45.7 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,400 (2023)
Projected traffic14,664 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-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 over Bear Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 521 over Bear 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 Bear Creek carry?

About 9,400 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 521 over Bear Creek?

The structure is 150 ft (45.7 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US 521 over Bear Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.