US Bridges

US 221 over CSXT RR

Poor

Spartanburg County, South Carolina · 4.7 MI S Chesnee · Structure no. 000000000001652

Built
1949
76 years old, rebuilt 1980
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2025
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
159 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
24,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 221 over CSXT RR is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 221 over CSXT RR in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1949 and reconstructed in 1980, so it is 76 years old, older than the South Carolina average of 48 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 24,000 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 43,680 by 2043. The structure is 159 ft (48.5 m) long and 74 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 221
CrossesCSXT RR
Location4.7 MI S Chesnee
RouteU.S. Route 221
CountySpartanburg County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates35.07869, -81.86471
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating37.1 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length159 ft (48.5 m)
Longest span53 ft (16.2 m)
Deck width74 ft (22.5 m)
Roadway width64 ft (19.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic24,000 (2023)
Projected traffic43,680 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesRailroad
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$1.2 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 221 over CSXT RR built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1980.

What condition is US 221 over CSXT RR in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in January 2025.

How much traffic does US 221 over CSXT RR carry?

About 24,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 221 over CSXT RR?

The structure is 159 ft (48.5 m) long with a longest span of 53 ft (16.2 m) and a deck 74 ft wide.

Who owns US 221 over CSXT RR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.