US Bridges

US 521 over U.S.521

Fair

Lancaster County, South Carolina · 1.0 MI N of Lancaster · Structure no. 000000000004581

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
241 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
27,400
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 521 over U.S.521 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 521 over U.S.521 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 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 27,400 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 42,744 by 2043. The structure is 241 ft (73.5 m) long and 86 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 521
CrossesU.S.521
Location1.0 MI N of Lancaster
RouteU.S. Route 521
CountyLancaster County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.73543, -80.77779
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
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
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating58.2 US tons
Inventory rating30.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length241 ft (73.5 m)
Longest span73 ft (22.3 m)
Deck width86 ft (26.3 m)
Roadway width80 ft (24.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic27,400 (2023)
Projected traffic42,744 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure6
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 521 over U.S.521 built?

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

What condition is US 521 over U.S.521 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 over U.S.521 carry?

About 27,400 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 521 over U.S.521?

The structure is 241 ft (73.5 m) long with a longest span of 73 ft (22.3 m) and a deck 86 ft wide.

Who owns US 521 over U.S.521?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.