US Bridges

Sc 3 over Watchcaw Creek

PoorPosted for load

Allendale County, South Carolina · 13 MI SW of Allendale · Structure no. 000000000002453

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
75 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sc 3 over Watchcaw Creek is a concrete slab carrying Sc 3 over Watchcaw Creek in Allendale County, South Carolina. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 700 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,022 by 2043. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 16.2 mi (26 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSc 3
CrossesWatchcaw Creek
Location13 MI SW of Allendale
RouteState Highway 3
CountyAllendale County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates32.89019, -81.4304
Functional classRural Major Collector

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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 6 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating35.4 US tons
Inventory rating21.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans5
Design loadH 10
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic700 (2023)
Projected traffic1,022 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed16.2 mi (26 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$464,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sc 3 over Watchcaw Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sc 3 over Watchcaw Creek 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Sc 3 over Watchcaw Creek carry?

About 700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Sc 3 over Watchcaw Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns Sc 3 over Watchcaw Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.