US Bridges

I-26 over US 21/US 321/ US 176

Fair

Lexington County, South Carolina · 3 MI S of West Columbia · Structure no. 000000000002793

Built
1958
67 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
296 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
87,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-26 over US 21/US 321/ US 176 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying I-26 over US 21/US 321/ US 176 in Lexington County, South Carolina. It was built in 1958 and reconstructed in 1983, so it is 67 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 87,600 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 108,624 by 2043. The structure is 296 ft (90.2 m) long and 137 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-26
CrossesUS 21/US 321/ US 176
Location3 MI S of West Columbia
RouteInterstate 26
CountyLexington County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.93284, -81.07684
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.8 US tons
Inventory rating25 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length296 ft (90.2 m)
Longest span74 ft (22.6 m)
Deck width137 ft (41.8 m)
Roadway width132 ft (40.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic87,600 (2023)
Projected traffic108,624 by 2043
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure7
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was I-26 over US 21/US 321/ US 176 built?

It was built in 1958, making it 67 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is I-26 over US 21/US 321/ US 176 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 I-26 over US 21/US 321/ US 176 carry?

About 87,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is I-26 over US 21/US 321/ US 176?

The structure is 296 ft (90.2 m) long with a longest span of 74 ft (22.6 m) and a deck 137 ft wide.

Who owns I-26 over US 21/US 321/ US 176?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.