US Bridges

S-5-42 over Brier Branch

FairPosted for load

Bamberg County, South Carolina · 4MI NE Bamberg · Structure no. 000000000005465

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
60 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
425
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-5-42 over Brier Branch is a concrete slab carrying S-5-42 over Brier Branch in Bamberg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 425 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 621 by 2043. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesS-5-42
CrossesBrier Branch
Location4MI NE Bamberg
RouteState Highway 42
Coordinates33.30257, -80.97561
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating33.6 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadH 10
Structure length60 ft (18.3 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 traffic425 (2023)
Projected traffic621 by 2043
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-5-42 over Brier Branch built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-5-42 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-5-42 over Brier Branch carry?

About 425 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is S-5-42 over Brier Branch?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns S-5-42 over Brier Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.