US Bridges

I-26 over Risters Creek

Good

Lexington County, South Carolina · 2 MI NE of Chapin · Structure no. 000000000003375

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 2020
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
43,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-26 over Risters Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I-26 over Risters Creek in Lexington County, South Carolina. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 2020, so it is 65 years old, older than the South Carolina average of 48 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 43,000 vehicles a day, roughly 26% of them trucks, projected to reach 63,210 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 142 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesI-26
CrossesRisters Creek
Location2 MI NE of Chapin
RouteInterstate 26
CountyLexington County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.18611, -81.33778
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.7 US tons
Inventory rating23.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width142 ft (43.3 m)
Roadway width87 ft (26.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic43,000 (2023)
Projected traffic63,210 by 2043
Trucks26%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$76,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-26 over Risters Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2020.

What condition is I-26 over Risters Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in October 2023.

How much traffic does I-26 over Risters Creek carry?

About 43,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 26% are trucks.

How long is I-26 over Risters Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 142 ft wide.

Who owns I-26 over Risters Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.