US Bridges

US 278 over Three Runs Creek

Good

Aiken County, South Carolina · 4 MI SE of New Ellenton · Structure no. 000000000010168

Built
2019
6 years old
Condition
Good
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
214 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 over Three Runs Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 278 over Three Runs Creek in Aiken County, South Carolina. It was built in 2019, so it is 6 years old, younger than the South Carolina average of 48 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,600 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,314 by 2043. The structure is 214 ft (65.2 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

CarriesUS 278
CrossesThree Runs Creek
Location4 MI SE of New Ellenton
RouteU.S. Route 278
Coordinates33.38438, -81.61573
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating51.8 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHL 93
Structure length214 ft (65.2 m)
Longest span75 ft (22.9 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,600 (2023)
Projected traffic7,314 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.1 mi (50 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278 over Three Runs Creek built?

It was built in 2019, making it 6 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278 over Three Runs Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in February 2024.

How much traffic does US 278 over Three Runs Creek carry?

About 4,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US 278 over Three Runs Creek?

The structure is 214 ft (65.2 m) long with a longest span of 75 ft (22.9 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 278 over Three Runs Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.