US Bridges

Sc 45 over Mechaw Creek

Good

Charleston County, South Carolina · 5 MI N of Mcclellanville · Structure no. 000000000007075

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
450
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sc 45 over Mechaw Creek is a concrete slab carrying Sc 45 over Mechaw Creek in Charleston County, South Carolina. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, younger than the South Carolina average of 48 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 450 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 657 by 2043. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 49.7 mi (80 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSc 45
CrossesMechaw Creek
Location5 MI N of Mcclellanville
RouteState Highway 45
CountyCharleston County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.138, -79.52181
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.3 US tons
Inventory rating37.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.4 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic450 (2023)
Projected traffic657 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed49.7 mi (80 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—
NavigationNot applicable (no waterway)

Frequently asked questions

When was Sc 45 over Mechaw Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sc 45 over Mechaw Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in June 2024.

How much traffic does Sc 45 over Mechaw Creek carry?

About 450 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Sc 45 over Mechaw Creek?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns Sc 45 over Mechaw Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.