US Bridges

S-5-81 over Lemon Swamp

Fair

Bamberg County, South Carolina · 6MI SE Bamberg · Structure no. 000000000006613

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
125
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-5-81 over Lemon Swamp is a concrete slab carrying S-5-81 over Lemon Swamp in Bamberg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 125 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 160 by 2043. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-5-81
CrossesLemon Swamp
Location6MI SE Bamberg
RouteState Highway 81
CountyBamberg County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.21701, -80.98957
Functional classRural Local

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 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no 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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating51.8 US tons
Inventory rating45.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadH 10
Structure length45 ft (13.7 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 traffic125 (2023)
Projected traffic160 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$69,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-5-81 over Lemon Swamp built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-5-81 over Lemon Swamp 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 S-5-81 over Lemon Swamp carry?

About 125 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is S-5-81 over Lemon Swamp?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns S-5-81 over Lemon Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.