US Bridges

Sc 170 over Broad River

Fair

Beaufort County, South Carolina · 6MI SW of Beaufort · Structure no. 000000000002662

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
9,000 ft
61 main spans
Daily traffic
30,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sc 170 over Broad River is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sc 170 over Broad River in Beaufort County, South Carolina. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 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 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 30,600 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 75,582 by 2043. The structure is 9,000 ft (2,743.2 m) long and 81 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSc 170
CrossesBroad River
Location6MI SW of Beaufort
RouteState Highway 170
CountyBeaufort County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates32.38549, -80.78161
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.2 US tons
Inventory rating15.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans61
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length9,000 ft (2,743.2 m)
Longest span180 ft (54.9 m)
Deck width81 ft (24.7 m)
Roadway width78 ft (23.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic30,600 (2023)
Projected traffic75,582 by 2043
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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$7.7 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Sc 170 over Broad River built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sc 170 over Broad 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does Sc 170 over Broad River carry?

About 30,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is Sc 170 over Broad River?

The structure is 9,000 ft (2,743.2 m) long with a longest span of 180 ft (54.9 m) and a deck 81 ft wide.

Who owns Sc 170 over Broad River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.