US Bridges

S-5-34 over Sykes Branch

Fair

Bamberg County, South Carolina · 3.0MI NW Denmark · Structure no. 000000000005891

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
375
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-5-34 over Sykes Branch is a concrete slab carrying S-5-34 over Sykes Branch in Bamberg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 375 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 521 by 2043. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesS-5-34
CrossesSykes Branch
Location3.0MI NW Denmark
RouteState Highway 34
Coordinates33.36064, -81.17402
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionApril 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating27.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic375 (2023)
Projected traffic521 by 2043
Trucks8%
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-5-34 over Sykes Branch built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-5-34 over Sykes 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-5-34 over Sykes Branch carry?

About 375 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is S-5-34 over Sykes Branch?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns S-5-34 over Sykes Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.