US Bridges

US 521 over S.C.L. Railroad

Fair

Williamsburg County, South Carolina · 0.1 MI S of Salters · Structure no. 000000000000821

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1975
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
140 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 521 over S.C.L. Railroad is a concrete tee beam carrying US 521 over S.C.L. Railroad in Williamsburg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1975, so it is 88 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 2,200 vehicles a day, roughly 22% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,828 by 2043. The structure is 140 ft (42.7 m) long and 47 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 521
CrossesS.C.L. Railroad
Location0.1 MI S of Salters
RouteU.S. Route 521
CountyWilliamsburg County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.59383, -79.85416
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.7 US tons
Inventory rating31.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length140 ft (42.7 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,200 (2023)
Projected traffic3,828 by 2043
Trucks22%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway and railroad
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 521 over S.C.L. Railroad built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1975.

What condition is US 521 over S.C.L. Railroad 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does US 521 over S.C.L. Railroad carry?

About 2,200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 22% are trucks.

How long is US 521 over S.C.L. Railroad?

The structure is 140 ft (42.7 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 521 over S.C.L. Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.