US Bridges

S-5-20 over Brier Branch

Fair

Bamberg County, South Carolina · 3.0MI NE Bamberg · Structure no. 000000000008967

Built
1996
29 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
75 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-5-20 over Brier Branch is a concrete slab carrying S-5-20 over Brier Branch in Bamberg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1996, so it is 29 years old, younger 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 500 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 730 by 2043. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

CarriesS-5-20
CrossesBrier Branch
Location3.0MI NE Bamberg
RouteState Highway 20
Coordinates33.31717, -81.00425
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
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.2 US tons
Inventory rating41.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans5
Design loadHS 20
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic500 (2023)
Projected traffic730 by 2043
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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-5-20 over Brier Branch built?

It was built in 1996, making it 29 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-5-20 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-5-20 over Brier Branch carry?

About 500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is S-5-20 over Brier Branch?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns S-5-20 over Brier Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.