US Bridges

S-1-159 over Dry Creek

FairPosted for load

Abbeville County, South Carolina · 5.3 MI NE 0F Abbeville · Structure no. 000000000001905

Built
1953
72 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
32 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
125
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-1-159 over Dry Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S-1-159 over Dry Creek in Abbeville County, South Carolina. It was built in 1953, so it is 72 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 125 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 160 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 14 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesS-1-159
CrossesDry Creek
Location5.3 MI NE 0F Abbeville
RouteState Highway 159
CountyAbbeville County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.2038, -82.2923
Functional classRural Local

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.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating5.4 US tons
Inventory rating3.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 10
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width14 ft (4.4 m)
Roadway width12 ft (3.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic125 (2023)
Projected traffic160 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-lane bridge for two-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$194,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-1-159 over Dry Creek built?

It was built in 1953, making it 72 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-1-159 over Dry 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does S-1-159 over Dry Creek carry?

About 125 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is S-1-159 over Dry Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 14 ft wide.

Who owns S-1-159 over Dry Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.