US Bridges

Sc 261 over Big Branch

Fair

Clarendon County, South Carolina · 4MI W of Manning · Structure no. 000000000000727

Built
1936
89 years old, rebuilt 1964
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sc 261 over Big Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Sc 261 over Big Branch in Clarendon County, South Carolina. It was built in 1936 and reconstructed in 1964, so it is 89 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 4,800 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,632 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSc 261
CrossesBig Branch
Location4MI W of Manning
RouteState Highway 261
CountyClarendon County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.71405, -80.27381
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.5 US tons
Inventory rating33.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,800 (2023)
Projected traffic7,632 by 2043
Trucks8%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sc 261 over Big Branch built?

It was built in 1936, making it 89 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1964.

What condition is Sc 261 over Big Branch 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does Sc 261 over Big Branch carry?

About 4,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is Sc 261 over Big Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns Sc 261 over Big Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.