US Bridges

Sc 703 over Intracoastal Waterway

Fair

Charleston County, South Carolina · Between Sulvans Is/Mt Ple · Structure no. 000000000001303

Built
1945
80 years old, rebuilt 2010
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Movable - Swing
Steel
Length
1,154 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
15,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sc 703 over Intracoastal Waterway is a steel movable - swing carrying Sc 703 over Intracoastal Waterway in Charleston County, South Carolina. It was built in 1945 and reconstructed in 2010, so it is 80 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 15,500 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 22,165 by 2043. The structure is 1,154 ft (351.8 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSc 703
CrossesIntracoastal Waterway
LocationBetween Sulvans Is/Mt Ple
RouteState Highway 703
CountyCharleston County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates32.77272, -79.84205
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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Swing
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+12 approach)
Design loadHL 93
Structure length1,154 ft (351.8 m)
Longest span247 ft (75.3 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deck16 ft (4.9 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic15,500 (2023)
Projected traffic22,165 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free 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—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Sc 703 over Intracoastal Waterway built?

It was built in 1945, making it 80 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2010.

What condition is Sc 703 over Intracoastal Waterway 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does Sc 703 over Intracoastal Waterway carry?

About 15,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is Sc 703 over Intracoastal Waterway?

The structure is 1,154 ft (351.8 m) long with a longest span of 247 ft (75.3 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Sc 703 over Intracoastal Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.