US Bridges

US 52 over Buckholtz Creek

Fair

Darlington County, South Carolina · 8MI N of Darlington · Structure no. 000000000000163

Built
1932
93 years old, rebuilt 1967
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
5,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 52 over Buckholtz Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 52 over Buckholtz Creek in Darlington County, South Carolina. It was built in 1932 and reconstructed in 1967, so it is 93 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 5,000 vehicles a day, roughly 18% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,700 by 2043. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS 52
CrossesBuckholtz Creek
Location8MI N of Darlington
RouteU.S. Route 52
Coordinates34.45631, -79.87356
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionFebruary 2025
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 rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.8 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic5,000 (2023)
Projected traffic8,700 by 2043
Trucks18%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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$85,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 52 over Buckholtz Creek built?

It was built in 1932, making it 93 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1967.

What condition is US 52 over Buckholtz 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does US 52 over Buckholtz Creek carry?

About 5,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 18% are trucks.

How long is US 52 over Buckholtz Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns US 52 over Buckholtz Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.