US Bridges

US 501 over S.C.L. Railroad

Fair

Marion County, South Carolina · 7.5 MI SE of Marion · Structure no. 000000000000737

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1972
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
171 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
16,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 501 over S.C.L. Railroad is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 501 over S.C.L. Railroad in Marion County, South Carolina. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1972, so it is 89 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 16,000 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,840 by 2043. The structure is 171 ft (52 m) long and 75 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 501
CrossesS.C.L. Railroad
Location7.5 MI SE of Marion
RouteU.S. Route 501
CountyMarion County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.09269, -79.31859
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.7 US tons
Inventory rating28.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 15
Structure length171 ft (52 m)
Longest span51 ft (15.4 m)
Deck width75 ft (23 m)
Roadway width64 ft (19.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,000 (2023)
Projected traffic27,840 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 501 over S.C.L. Railroad built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1972.

What condition is US 501 over S.C.L. Railroad 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 501 over S.C.L. Railroad carry?

About 16,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 501 over S.C.L. Railroad?

The structure is 171 ft (52 m) long with a longest span of 51 ft (15.4 m) and a deck 75 ft wide.

Who owns US 501 over S.C.L. Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.