US Bridges

US 15 over Sparrow Swamp

FairPosted for load

Darlington County, South Carolina · 2MI W of Lydia · Structure no. 000000000000020

Built
1922
103 years old, rebuilt 1948
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
88 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
5,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 15 over Sparrow Swamp is a concrete tee beam carrying US 15 over Sparrow Swamp in Darlington County, South Carolina. It was built in 1922 and reconstructed in 1948, so it is 103 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 5,500 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,745 by 2043. The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 15
CrossesSparrow Swamp
Location2MI W of Lydia
RouteU.S. Route 15
CountyDarlington County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.27332, -80.12729
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating10 US tons
Inventory rating6.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length88 ft (26.8 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.3 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,500 (2023)
Projected traffic8,745 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$575,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 15 over Sparrow Swamp built?

It was built in 1922, making it 103 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1948.

What condition is US 15 over Sparrow 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does US 15 over Sparrow Swamp carry?

About 5,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 15 over Sparrow Swamp?

The structure is 88 ft (26.8 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 15 over Sparrow Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.