US Bridges

US 278 over Southern Railroad

Fair

Allendale County, South Carolina · 5.3MI N of Allendale · Structure no. 000000000003565

Built
1961
64 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
291 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 over Southern Railroad is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 278 over Southern Railroad in Allendale County, South Carolina. It was built in 1961, so it is 64 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 6 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 3,500 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,565 by 2043. The structure is 291 ft (88.7 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 278
CrossesSouthern Railroad
Location5.3MI N of Allendale
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyAllendale County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.08154, -81.32922
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.6 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 15
Structure length291 ft (88.7 m)
Longest span67 ft (20.4 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,500 (2023)
Projected traffic5,565 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesRailroad
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278 over Southern Railroad built?

It was built in 1961, making it 64 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278 over Southern 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does US 278 over Southern Railroad carry?

About 3,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 278 over Southern Railroad?

The structure is 291 ft (88.7 m) long with a longest span of 67 ft (20.4 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns US 278 over Southern Railroad?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.