US Bridges

US 521 over Boots Branch

Fair

Sumter County, South Carolina · 9 MI SE of Sumter · Structure no. 000000000001151

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 2009
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 521 over Boots Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 521 over Boots Branch in Sumter County, South Carolina. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 2009, 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 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 6,600 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,484 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 95 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 521
CrossesBoots Branch
Location9 MI SE of Sumter
RouteU.S. Route 521
CountySumter County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.80744, -80.27532
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.8 US tons
Inventory rating22.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width95 ft (29.1 m)
Roadway width83 ft (25.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,600 (2023)
Projected traffic11,484 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
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 521 over Boots Branch built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2009.

What condition is US 521 over Boots Branch 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US 521 over Boots Branch carry?

About 6,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 521 over Boots Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 95 ft wide.

Who owns US 521 over Boots Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.