US Bridges

US 278 over Turkey Creek

Fair

Barnwell County, South Carolina · Inside Barnwell C L · Structure no. 000000000000481

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1953
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
75 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
16,900
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 over Turkey Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 278 over Turkey Creek in Barnwell County, South Carolina. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1953, so it is 94 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 16,900 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 26,871 by 2043. The structure is 75 ft (22.8 m) long and 61 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 278
CrossesTurkey Creek
LocationInside Barnwell C L
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyBarnwell County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.24543, -81.36917
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating38.3 US tons
Inventory rating22.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length75 ft (22.8 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width61 ft (18.6 m)
Roadway width50 ft (15.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,900 (2023)
Projected traffic26,871 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$92,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278 over Turkey Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1953.

What condition is US 278 over Turkey Creek 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does US 278 over Turkey Creek carry?

About 16,900 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 278 over Turkey Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.8 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 61 ft wide.

Who owns US 278 over Turkey Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.