US Bridges

S-12-540 over Trib to Dry Fork Creek

PoorPosted for load

Chester County, South Carolina · Stewart ST Chester · Structure no. 000000000004727

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
30 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
125
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-12-540 over Trib to Dry Fork Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S-12-540 over Trib to Dry Fork Creek in Chester County, South Carolina. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 years old, older than the South Carolina average of 48 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 125 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 160 by 2043. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 28 ft wide.

CarriesS-12-540
CrossesTrib to Dry Fork Creek
LocationStewart ST Chester
RouteState Highway 540
Coordinates34.70963, -81.22002
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating8.6 US tons
Inventory rating3.5 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadH 10
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic125 (2023)
Projected traffic160 by 2043
Trucks5%
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$186,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-12-540 over Trib to Dry Fork Creek built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-12-540 over Trib to Dry Fork Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does S-12-540 over Trib to Dry Fork Creek carry?

About 125 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is S-12-540 over Trib to Dry Fork Creek?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns S-12-540 over Trib to Dry Fork Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.