US Bridges

Sc 97 over Turkey Creek

Fair

Chester County, South Carolina · 11.6MI W of Chester · Structure no. 000000000000331

Built
1929
96 years old, rebuilt 1941
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
261 ft
9 main spans
Daily traffic
425
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sc 97 over Turkey Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sc 97 over Turkey Creek in Chester County, South Carolina. It was built in 1929 and reconstructed in 1941, so it is 96 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 425 vehicles a day, roughly 23% of them trucks, projected to reach 676 by 2043. The structure is 261 ft (79.6 m) long and 26 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSc 97
CrossesTurkey Creek
Location11.6MI W of Chester
RouteState Highway 97
CountyChester County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.81317, -81.36921
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
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 rating6.8 US tons
Inventory rating4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans9
Design loadHS 15
Structure length261 ft (79.6 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic425 (2023)
Projected traffic676 by 2043
Trucks23%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.3 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sc 97 over Turkey Creek built?

It was built in 1929, making it 96 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1941.

What condition is Sc 97 over Turkey Creek 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 Sc 97 over Turkey Creek carry?

About 425 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 23% are trucks.

How long is Sc 97 over Turkey Creek?

The structure is 261 ft (79.6 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns Sc 97 over Turkey Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.