US Bridges

S-44-221 over Mitchell Creek

Fair

Union County, South Carolina · 7.9 MI NW Union · Structure no. 000000000008597

Built
1992
33 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
60 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
175
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-44-221 over Mitchell Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying S-44-221 over Mitchell Creek in Union County, South Carolina. It was built in 1992, so it is 33 years old, younger 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 175 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 243 by 2043. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-44-221
CrossesMitchell Creek
Location7.9 MI NW Union
RouteState Highway 221
CountyUnion County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.76641, -81.74842
Functional classRural Minor Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating71.4 US tons
Inventory rating42.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic175 (2023)
Projected traffic243 by 2043
Trucks10%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-44-221 over Mitchell Creek built?

It was built in 1992, making it 33 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-44-221 over Mitchell 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does S-44-221 over Mitchell Creek carry?

About 175 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is S-44-221 over Mitchell Creek?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns S-44-221 over Mitchell Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.