US Bridges

I-20 over Lightwood Knot Creek

Good

Lexington County, South Carolina · 8 MI SE of Batesburg · Structure no. 000000000005797

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Good
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
181 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
35,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-20 over Lightwood Knot Creek is a concrete culvert carrying I-20 over Lightwood Knot Creek in Lexington County, South Carolina. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 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 35,600 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 56,960 by 2043. The structure is 181 ft (55.3 m) long and 150 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

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CarriesI-20
CrossesLightwood Knot Creek
Location8 MI SE of Batesburg
RouteInterstate 20
CountyLexington County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.81149, -81.45687
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.3 US tons
Inventory rating22.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length181 ft (55.3 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width150 ft (45.7 m)
Roadway width131 ft (39.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35,600 (2023)
Projected traffic56,960 by 2043
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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$394,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-20 over Lightwood Knot Creek built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-20 over Lightwood Knot 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-20 over Lightwood Knot Creek carry?

About 35,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is I-20 over Lightwood Knot Creek?

The structure is 181 ft (55.3 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 150 ft wide.

Who owns I-20 over Lightwood Knot Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.