US Bridges

Sc 5 NB over U.S. 521 Sbl

Fair

Lancaster County, South Carolina · 7.3 MI N of Lancaster · Structure no. 000000000006316

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
306 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
6,100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sc 5 NB over U.S. 521 Sbl is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sc 5 NB over U.S. 521 Sbl 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 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 6,100 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,614 by 2043. The structure is 306 ft (93.3 m) long and 35 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSc 5 NB
CrossesU.S. 521 Sbl
Location7.3 MI N of Lancaster
RouteState Highway 5
CountyLancaster County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.83455, -80.80677
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating73.5 US tons
Inventory rating56.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length306 ft (93.3 m)
Longest span112 ft (34.1 m)
Deck width35 ft (10.6 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,100 (2023)
Projected traffic10,614 by 2043
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
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 Sc 5 NB over U.S. 521 Sbl built?

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

What condition is Sc 5 NB over U.S. 521 Sbl 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 Sc 5 NB over U.S. 521 Sbl carry?

About 6,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is Sc 5 NB over U.S. 521 Sbl?

The structure is 306 ft (93.3 m) long with a longest span of 112 ft (34.1 m) and a deck 35 ft wide.

Who owns Sc 5 NB over U.S. 521 Sbl?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.