US Bridges

US 521 over Rafting Creek

Fair

Sumter County, South Carolina · 1 MI SE of Rembert · Structure no. 000000000000157

Built
1923
102 years old, rebuilt 1961
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
33 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
7,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 521 over Rafting Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 521 over Rafting Creek in Sumter County, South Carolina. It was built in 1923 and reconstructed in 1961, so it is 102 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 6 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 7,600 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,224 by 2043. The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 521
CrossesRafting Creek
Location1 MI SE of Rembert
RouteU.S. Route 521
CountySumter County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.07841, -80.51912
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating39.7 US tons
Inventory rating23.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length33 ft (10.1 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,600 (2023)
Projected traffic13,224 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 521 over Rafting Creek built?

It was built in 1923, making it 102 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1961.

What condition is US 521 over Rafting 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 521 over Rafting Creek carry?

About 7,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 521 over Rafting Creek?

The structure is 33 ft (10.1 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 521 over Rafting Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.