US Bridges

US 17 NB over Edisto River Swamp

Fair

Charleston County, South Carolina · Chas/Coll LN · Structure no. 000000000001930

Built
1925
100 years old, rebuilt 1973
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
110 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
17,100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 17 NB over Edisto River Swamp is a concrete tee beam carrying US 17 NB over Edisto River Swamp in Charleston County, South Carolina. It was built in 1925 and reconstructed in 1973, so it is 100 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 17,100 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 29,754 by 2043. The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long and 75 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 31.1 mi (50 km).

CarriesUS 17 NB
CrossesEdisto River Swamp
LocationChas/Coll LN
RouteU.S. Route 17
Coordinates32.76355, -80.44292
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.2 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 15
Structure length110 ft (33.5 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width75 ft (23 m)
Roadway width69 ft (21.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,100 (2023)
Projected traffic29,754 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed31.1 mi (50 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$226,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was US 17 NB over Edisto River Swamp built?

It was built in 1925, making it 100 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1973.

What condition is US 17 NB over Edisto River 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does US 17 NB over Edisto River Swamp carry?

About 17,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 17 NB over Edisto River Swamp?

The structure is 110 ft (33.5 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 75 ft wide.

Who owns US 17 NB over Edisto River Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.