US Bridges

US 176/STATE RD over Wassamassaw Swamp

Fair

Berkeley County, South Carolina · 22.0 MI SE Holly Hill · Structure no. 000000000000835

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
210 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
10,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 176/STATE RD over Wassamassaw Swamp is a concrete tee beam carrying US 176/STATE RD over Wassamassaw Swamp in Berkeley County, South Carolina. It was built in 1938, so it is 87 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 10,800 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,176 by 2043. The structure is 210 ft (64 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 14.9 mi (24 km).

Location

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CarriesUS 176/STATE RD
CrossesWassamassaw Swamp
Location22.0 MI SE Holly Hill
RouteU.S. Route 176
CountyBerkeley County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.15078, -80.17534
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45.7 US tons
Inventory rating35.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadH 15
Structure length210 ft (64 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,800 (2023)
Projected traffic13,176 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed14.9 mi (24 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$836,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 176/STATE RD over Wassamassaw Swamp built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 176/STATE RD over Wassamassaw Swamp 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US 176/STATE RD over Wassamassaw Swamp carry?

About 10,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 176/STATE RD over Wassamassaw Swamp?

The structure is 210 ft (64 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns US 176/STATE RD over Wassamassaw Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.