US Bridges

US 278/SC 125 over U S 1

Poor

Aiken County, South Carolina · Clearwater · Structure no. 000000000001846

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
111 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
8,100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278/SC 125 over U S 1 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 278/SC 125 over U S 1 in Aiken County, South Carolina. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 years old, older than the South Carolina average of 48 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 8,100 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,343 by 2043. The structure is 111 ft (33.7 m) long and 66 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 278/SC 125
CrossesU S 1
LocationClearwater
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyAiken County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.48984, -81.92074
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating11.5 US tons
Inventory rating6.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length111 ft (33.7 m)
Longest span59 ft (18.1 m)
Deck width66 ft (20 m)
Roadway width58 ft (17.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,100 (2023)
Projected traffic8,343 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesOverpass structure at an interchange
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$196,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278/SC 125 over U S 1 built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278/SC 125 over U S 1 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in January 2024.

How much traffic does US 278/SC 125 over U S 1 carry?

About 8,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 278/SC 125 over U S 1?

The structure is 111 ft (33.7 m) long with a longest span of 59 ft (18.1 m) and a deck 66 ft wide.

Who owns US 278/SC 125 over U S 1?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.