US Bridges

Sc 121 over Big Creek

FairPosted for load

Saluda County, South Carolina · 4.1 MI N of Saluda · Structure no. 000000000001133

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1958
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
153 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
3,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sc 121 over Big Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Sc 121 over Big Creek in Saluda County, South Carolina. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1958, so it is 85 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 3,500 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,565 by 2043. The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSc 121
CrossesBig Creek
Location4.1 MI N of Saluda
RouteState Highway 121
CountySaluda County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.06068, -81.76348
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 6 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating11.8 US tons
Inventory rating6.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length153 ft (46.6 m)
Longest span43 ft (13.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,500 (2023)
Projected traffic5,565 by 2043
Trucks13%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$917,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sc 121 over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1958.

What condition is Sc 121 over Big Creek 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does Sc 121 over Big Creek carry?

About 3,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Sc 121 over Big Creek?

The structure is 153 ft (46.6 m) long with a longest span of 43 ft (13.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Sc 121 over Big Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.