US Bridges

US 221 over Fairforest Creek

Fair

Spartanburg County, South Carolina · 1.8 MI S Spartanburg · Structure no. 000000000000311

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1962
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
81 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
13,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 221 over Fairforest Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 221 over Fairforest Creek in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1962, so it is 97 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 13,600 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,064 by 2043. The structure is 81 ft (24.7 m) long and 71 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 221
CrossesFairforest Creek
Location1.8 MI S Spartanburg
RouteU.S. Route 221
CountySpartanburg County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.92604, -81.93444
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.5 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length81 ft (24.7 m)
Longest span27 ft (8.2 m)
Deck width71 ft (21.5 m)
Roadway width60 ft (18.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic13,600 (2023)
Projected traffic27,064 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 221 over Fairforest Creek built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1962.

What condition is US 221 over Fairforest 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 2024.

How much traffic does US 221 over Fairforest Creek carry?

About 13,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 221 over Fairforest Creek?

The structure is 81 ft (24.7 m) long with a longest span of 27 ft (8.2 m) and a deck 71 ft wide.

Who owns US 221 over Fairforest Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.