US Bridges

US 278 WB over US 278 Bus EB

Fair

Beaufort County, South Carolina · Hilton Head Island · Structure no. 000000000009130

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
133 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 WB over US 278 Bus EB is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 278 WB over US 278 Bus EB in Beaufort County, South Carolina. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 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 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 15,600 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 18,720 by 2043. The structure is 133 ft (40.5 m) long and 41 ft wide.

CarriesUS 278 WB
CrossesUS 278 Bus EB
LocationHilton Head Island
RouteU.S. Route 278
Coordinates32.21556, -80.73981
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 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 rating57.9 US tons
Inventory rating44.6 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length133 ft (40.5 m)
Longest span133 ft (40.5 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.5 m)
Roadway width38 ft (11.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,600 (2023)
Projected traffic18,720 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesHighway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a toll 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278 WB over US 278 Bus EB built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278 WB over US 278 Bus EB 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 278 WB over US 278 Bus EB carry?

About 15,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US 278 WB over US 278 Bus EB?

The structure is 133 ft (40.5 m) long with a longest span of 133 ft (40.5 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns US 278 WB over US 278 Bus EB?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.