US Bridges

S-9-173 over Little Beaver Creek

Fair

Calhoun County, South Carolina · 8 MI NE ST Mathews · Structure no. 000000000000672

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-9-173 over Little Beaver Creek is a concrete culvert carrying S-9-173 over Little Beaver Creek in Calhoun County, South Carolina. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 128 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-9-173
CrossesLittle Beaver Creek
Location8 MI NE ST Mathews
RouteState Highway 173
CountyCalhoun County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.7403, -80.91439
Functional classRural 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
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating52.5 US tons
Inventory rating40.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length21 ft (6.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2023)
Projected traffic128 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-9-173 over Little Beaver Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-9-173 over Little Beaver Creek 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 2023.

How much traffic does S-9-173 over Little Beaver Creek carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is S-9-173 over Little Beaver Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns S-9-173 over Little Beaver Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.