US Bridges

US 278 EB over Sc 170

Good

Beaufort County, South Carolina · 18.5 MI SW of Beaufort · Structure no. 000000000008415

Built
1991
34 years old
Condition
Good
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
250 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
33,950
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 EB over Sc 170 is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 278 EB over Sc 170 in Beaufort County, South Carolina. It was built in 1991, so it is 34 years old, younger than the South Carolina average of 48 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 33,950 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 40,740 by 2043. The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS 278 EB
CrossesSc 170
Location18.5 MI SW of Beaufort
RouteU.S. Route 278
Coordinates32.2937, -80.937
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourBridge not over waterway
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating69.7 US tons
Inventory rating53.6 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length250 ft (76.2 m)
Longest span158 ft (48.2 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.8 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic33,950 (2023)
Projected traffic40,740 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278 EB over Sc 170 built?

It was built in 1991, making it 34 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278 EB over Sc 170 in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does US 278 EB over Sc 170 carry?

About 33,950 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 278 EB over Sc 170?

The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long with a longest span of 158 ft (48.2 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns US 278 EB over Sc 170?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.