US Bridges

US 21 over Toms Branch

Fair

Lexington County, South Carolina · 6MI S of Cayce · Structure no. 000000000002212

Built
1922
103 years old, rebuilt 1975
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
20 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 21 over Toms Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 21 over Toms Branch in Lexington County, South Carolina. It was built in 1922 and reconstructed in 1975, so it is 103 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 5,600 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,792 by 2043. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long and 46 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 21
CrossesToms Branch
Location6MI S of Cayce
RouteU.S. Route 21
CountyLexington County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.88278, -81.04667
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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 rating44.3 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,600 (2023)
Projected traffic8,792 by 2043
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 21 over Toms Branch built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1975.

What condition is US 21 over Toms Branch 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does US 21 over Toms Branch carry?

About 5,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 21 over Toms Branch?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 21 over Toms Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.