US Bridges

S-16-19 over Sparrow Swamp

Fair

Darlington County, South Carolina · 4.5MI NW Lamar · Structure no. 000000000002323

Built
1956
69 years old, rebuilt 1992
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
84 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
450
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-16-19 over Sparrow Swamp is a concrete slab carrying S-16-19 over Sparrow Swamp in Darlington County, South Carolina. It was built in 1956 and reconstructed in 1992, so it is 69 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 450 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 576 by 2043. The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-16-19
CrossesSparrow Swamp
Location4.5MI NW Lamar
RouteState Highway 19
CountyDarlington County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.23601, -80.09909
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating34 US tons
Inventory rating20.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans6
Design loadH 10
Structure length84 ft (25.6 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic450 (2023)
Projected traffic576 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 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 S-16-19 over Sparrow Swamp built?

It was built in 1956, making it 69 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1992.

What condition is S-16-19 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 S-16-19 over Sparrow Swamp carry?

About 450 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is S-16-19 over Sparrow Swamp?

The structure is 84 ft (25.6 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns S-16-19 over Sparrow Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.