US Bridges

Sc 18 over Bowens River

Fair

Cherokee County, South Carolina · 1 MI S of Nc State LN · Structure no. 000000000000767

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1948
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
27 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
5,200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sc 18 over Bowens River is a concrete culvert carrying Sc 18 over Bowens River in Cherokee County, South Carolina. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1948, so it is 88 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 5,200 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,268 by 2043. The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long and 70 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSc 18
CrossesBowens River
Location1 MI S of Nc State LN
RouteState Highway 18
CountyCherokee County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates35.15773, -81.5757
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
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.8 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length27 ft (8.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width70 ft (21.3 m)
Roadway width43 ft (13.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,200 (2023)
Projected traffic8,268 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Sc 18 over Bowens River built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1948.

What condition is Sc 18 over Bowens River 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 2023.

How much traffic does Sc 18 over Bowens River carry?

About 5,200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Sc 18 over Bowens River?

The structure is 27 ft (8.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 70 ft wide.

Who owns Sc 18 over Bowens River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.