US Bridges

US 78 over Brier Branch

Fair

Bamberg County, South Carolina · 8.5MI E of Bamberg · Structure no. 000000000000478

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1966
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
100 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,400
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 78 over Brier Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying US 78 over Brier Branch in Bamberg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1966, so it is 94 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 1,400 vehicles a day, roughly 30% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,436 by 2043. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesUS 78
CrossesBrier Branch
Location8.5MI E of Bamberg
RouteU.S. Route 78
Coordinates33.23248, -80.8835
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.6 US tons
Inventory rating31.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.8 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,400 (2023)
Projected traffic2,436 by 2043
Trucks30%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 78 over Brier Branch built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1966.

What condition is US 78 over Brier Branch 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 78 over Brier Branch carry?

About 1,400 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 30% are trucks.

How long is US 78 over Brier Branch?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns US 78 over Brier Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.