US Bridges

US 178 over I-85

Fair

Anderson County, South Carolina · 5.9MI NW of Anderson · Structure no. 000000000003791

Built
1962
63 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
263 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
22,300
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 178 over I-85 is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 178 over I-85 in Anderson County, South Carolina. It was built in 1962, so it is 63 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.

It carries about 22,300 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,652 by 2043. The structure is 263 ft (80.2 m) long and 32 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 178
CrossesI-85
Location5.9MI NW of Anderson
RouteU.S. Route 178
CountyAnderson County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.57964, -82.69174
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.9 US tons
Inventory rating35.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length263 ft (80.2 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width32 ft (9.8 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic22,300 (2023)
Projected traffic27,652 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$909,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 178 over I-85 built?

It was built in 1962, making it 63 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 178 over I-85 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does US 178 over I-85 carry?

About 22,300 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 178 over I-85?

The structure is 263 ft (80.2 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 32 ft wide.

Who owns US 178 over I-85?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.