US Bridges

Sc 18 over Broad River

Fair

Cherokee County, South Carolina · 5.2 MI NE of Gaffney · Structure no. 000000000008817

Built
1995
30 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
606 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
6,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sc 18 over Broad River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sc 18 over Broad River in Cherokee County, South Carolina. It was built in 1995, so it is 30 years old, younger 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 6,800 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,812 by 2043. The structure is 606 ft (184.7 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSc 18
CrossesBroad River
Location5.2 MI NE of Gaffney
RouteState Highway 18
CountyCherokee County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates35.12404, -81.58764
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44.3 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length606 ft (184.7 m)
Longest span155 ft (47.2 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.3 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,800 (2023)
Projected traffic10,812 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$942,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sc 18 over Broad River built?

It was built in 1995, making it 30 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sc 18 over Broad 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 Broad River carry?

About 6,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Sc 18 over Broad River?

The structure is 606 ft (184.7 m) long with a longest span of 155 ft (47.2 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Sc 18 over Broad River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.