U.S. 221 over J. Strom Thurmond Dam
FairOconee County, South Carolina · J.Strom Thurmond Dam · Structure no. CEPSASGASCJST01
- Built
- 1950
- 75 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected August 2024
- Type
- Girder and Floorbeam System
- Steel
- Length
- 1,096 ft
- 23 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 1,350
- 2020 count
- Owner
- Federal
- Corps of Engineers (Civil)
About this bridge
U.S. 221 over J. Strom Thurmond Dam is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying U.S. 221 over J. Strom Thurmond Dam in Oconee County, South Carolina. It was built in 1950, so it is 75 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 1,350 vehicles a day, roughly 20% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,755 by 2042. The structure is 1,096 ft (334 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 47.2 mi (76 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Superstructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Channel and channel protection | 9 Excellent | No problems noted. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was U.S. 221 over J. Strom Thurmond Dam built?
It was built in 1950, making it 75 years old in 2025.
What condition is U.S. 221 over J. Strom Thurmond Dam 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 August 2024.
How much traffic does U.S. 221 over J. Strom Thurmond Dam carry?
About 1,350 vehicles per day (2020 count), of which roughly 20% are trucks.
How long is U.S. 221 over J. Strom Thurmond Dam?
The structure is 1,096 ft (334 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.
Who owns U.S. 221 over J. Strom Thurmond Dam?
It is owned by the Corps of Engineers (Civil).