US Bridges

US 521 NB over Waxhaw Creek

Fair

Lancaster County, South Carolina · 7.1 MI N of Lancaster · Structure no. 000000000006313

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
110 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
12,850
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 521 NB over Waxhaw Creek is a concrete continuous slab carrying US 521 NB over Waxhaw Creek in Lancaster County, South Carolina. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 12,850 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,359 by 2043. The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 521 NB
CrossesWaxhaw Creek
Location7.1 MI N of Lancaster
RouteU.S. Route 521
CountyLancaster County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.83223, -80.80508
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.3 US tons
Inventory rating34.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length110 ft (33.5 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.1 m)
Roadway width39 ft (12 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,850 (2023)
Projected traffic22,359 by 2043
Trucks7%
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 NB over Waxhaw Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 521 NB over Waxhaw 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 NB over Waxhaw Creek carry?

About 12,850 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 521 NB over Waxhaw Creek?

The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 521 NB over Waxhaw Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.