US Bridges

S-31/BRIDGE ST over Canal

Fair

Beaufort County, South Carolina · In Bluffton · Structure no. 000000000005893

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
75 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
125
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-31/BRIDGE ST over Canal is a concrete slab carrying S-31/BRIDGE ST over Canal in Beaufort County, South Carolina. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 125 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 160 by 2043. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-31/BRIDGE ST
CrossesCanal
LocationIn Bluffton
RouteState Highway 31
CountyBeaufort County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates32.23323, -80.86412
Functional classUrban Local

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating34.6 US tons
Inventory rating20.7 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 traffic125 (2023)
Projected traffic160 by 2043
Trucks5%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-31/BRIDGE ST over Canal built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-31/BRIDGE ST over Canal 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does S-31/BRIDGE ST over Canal carry?

About 125 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is S-31/BRIDGE ST over Canal?

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-31/BRIDGE ST over Canal?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.