US Bridges

US 21 over Early Branch

Good

Orangeburg County, South Carolina · 5MI N of Orangeburg · Structure no. 000000000001217

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 21 over Early Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 21 over Early Branch in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 6,800 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 9,928 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 21
CrossesEarly Branch
Location5MI N of Orangeburg
RouteU.S. Route 21
CountyOrangeburg County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.56739, -80.86393
Functional classRural Major Collector

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 inspectionDecember 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.3 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 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 width43 ft (13 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,800 (2023)
Projected traffic9,928 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 21 over Early Branch built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 21 over Early Branch 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does US 21 over Early Branch carry?

About 6,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 21 over Early Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns US 21 over Early Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.