US Bridges

S-16-44 over Middle Branch

Fair

Darlington County, South Carolina · 5MI E Lamar · Structure no. 000000000003246

Built
1960
65 years old, rebuilt 1996
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
450
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-16-44 over Middle Branch is a concrete slab carrying S-16-44 over Middle Branch in Darlington County, South Carolina. It was built in 1960 and reconstructed in 1996, so it is 65 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 450 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 576 by 2025. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-16-44
CrossesMiddle Branch
Location5MI E Lamar
RouteState Highway 44
CountyDarlington County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.19278, -79.96694
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating30 US tons
Inventory rating17.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic450 (2023)
Projected traffic576 by 2025
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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-16-44 over Middle Branch built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1996.

What condition is S-16-44 over Middle Branch 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 S-16-44 over Middle Branch carry?

About 450 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is S-16-44 over Middle Branch?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns S-16-44 over Middle Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.