US Bridges

US 278 over Salkehatchie River

Fair

Barnwell County, South Carolina · 1/2MI S of Barnwell · Structure no. 000000000001166

Built
1941
84 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
210 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
6,700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 over Salkehatchie River is a concrete tee beam carrying US 278 over Salkehatchie River in Barnwell County, South Carolina. It was built in 1941, so it is 84 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 6,700 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,653 by 2043. The structure is 210 ft (64 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 278
CrossesSalkehatchie River
Location1/2MI S of Barnwell
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyBarnwell County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.20923, -81.35627
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 15
Structure length210 ft (64 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,700 (2023)
Projected traffic10,653 by 2043
Trucks9%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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$788,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278 over Salkehatchie River built?

It was built in 1941, making it 84 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278 over Salkehatchie River 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 Salkehatchie River carry?

About 6,700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is US 278 over Salkehatchie River?

The structure is 210 ft (64 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns US 278 over Salkehatchie River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.