US Bridges

Sc 261 over Sammy Swamp

Fair

Clarendon County, South Carolina · 4MI W of Manning · Structure no. 000000000000776

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1964
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
125 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,400
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sc 261 over Sammy Swamp is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sc 261 over Sammy Swamp in Clarendon County, South Carolina. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1964, 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 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 3,400 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,406 by 2043. The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSc 261
CrossesSammy Swamp
Location4MI W of Manning
RouteState Highway 261
CountyClarendon County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.72429, -80.31051
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32.2 US tons
Inventory rating18.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 15
Structure length125 ft (38.1 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.7 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,400 (2023)
Projected traffic5,406 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sc 261 over Sammy Swamp built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1964.

What condition is Sc 261 over Sammy Swamp 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 Sammy Swamp carry?

About 3,400 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Sc 261 over Sammy Swamp?

The structure is 125 ft (38.1 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns Sc 261 over Sammy Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.