US Bridges

S-6-38 over Whaley Branch

Fair

Barnwell County, South Carolina · 6.5 MI N Blackville · Structure no. 000000000004046

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
75 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-6-38 over Whaley Branch is a concrete slab carrying S-6-38 over Whaley Branch in Barnwell County, South Carolina. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 146 by 2043. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-6-38
CrossesWhaley Branch
Location6.5 MI N Blackville
RouteState Highway 38
CountyBarnwell County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.44717, -81.29382
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.
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 inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating33.6 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans5
Design loadH 10
Structure length75 ft (22.9 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 traffic100 (2023)
Projected traffic146 by 2043
Trucks9%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$366,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-6-38 over Whaley Branch built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-6-38 over Whaley 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does S-6-38 over Whaley Branch carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is S-6-38 over Whaley Branch?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns S-6-38 over Whaley Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.