US Bridges

S-5-18 over Brier Branch

Fair

Bamberg County, South Carolina · 11MI SE Bamberg · Structure no. 000000000001341

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
550
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-5-18 over Brier Branch is a concrete culvert carrying S-5-18 over Brier Branch in Bamberg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 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 550 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 803 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-5-18
CrossesBrier Branch
Location11MI SE Bamberg
RouteState Highway 18
CountyBamberg County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.22069, -80.86628
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.2 US tons
Inventory rating37.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic550 (2023)
Projected traffic803 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-5-18 over Brier Branch built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-5-18 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 2023.

How much traffic does S-5-18 over Brier Branch carry?

About 550 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is S-5-18 over Brier Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns S-5-18 over Brier Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.