US Bridges

US 17 Alt over Chessey Creek

Fair

Colleton County, South Carolina · 1.5 MI W of Cottageville · Structure no. 000000000000778

Built
1937
88 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 17 Alt over Chessey Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 17 Alt over Chessey Creek in Colleton County, South Carolina. It was built in 1937, 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 8,000 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,720 by 2043. The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 17 Alt
CrossesChessey Creek
Location1.5 MI W of Cottageville
RouteU.S. Route 17
CountyColleton County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates32.94333, -80.51833
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 protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating44.3 US tons
Inventory rating26.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,000 (2023)
Projected traffic12,720 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$90,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 17 Alt over Chessey Creek built?

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

What condition is US 17 Alt over Chessey 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US 17 Alt over Chessey Creek carry?

About 8,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 17 Alt over Chessey Creek?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns US 17 Alt over Chessey Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.