US Bridges

US 221 over Little River

Fair

Laurens County, South Carolina · Laurens City Limits · Structure no. 000000000000207

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Arch - Deck
Concrete
Length
93 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
7,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 221 over Little River is a concrete arch - deck carrying US 221 over Little River in Laurens County, South Carolina. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 100 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 7,800 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,998 by 2043. The structure is 93 ft (28.3 m) long and 75 ft wide.

CarriesUS 221
CrossesLittle River
LocationLaurens City Limits
RouteU.S. Route 221
Coordinates34.50466, -82.00987
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeArch - Deck
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 15
Structure length93 ft (28.3 m)
Longest span47 ft (14.3 m)
Deck width75 ft (22.8 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,800 (2023)
Projected traffic10,998 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 221 over Little River built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is US 221 over Little River 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does US 221 over Little River carry?

About 7,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 221 over Little River?

The structure is 93 ft (28.3 m) long with a longest span of 47 ft (14.3 m) and a deck 75 ft wide.

Who owns US 221 over Little River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.