US Bridges

S-16-68 over Bellyache Branch

FairPosted for load

Darlington County, South Carolina · 2MI N Darlington · Structure no. 000000000004095

Built
1963
62 years old, rebuilt 2005
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,300
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-16-68 over Bellyache Branch is a concrete slab carrying S-16-68 over Bellyache Branch in Darlington County, South Carolina. It was built in 1963 and reconstructed in 2005, so it is 62 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 2,300 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,944 by 2043. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 29 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-16-68
CrossesBellyache Branch
Location2MI N Darlington
RouteState Highway 68
CountyDarlington County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.32286, -79.87437
Functional classUrban 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.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating31.1 US tons
Inventory rating18.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadH 10
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width29 ft (8.7 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,300 (2023)
Projected traffic2,944 by 2043
Trucks4%
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$141,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-16-68 over Bellyache Branch built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2005.

What condition is S-16-68 over Bellyache 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does S-16-68 over Bellyache Branch carry?

About 2,300 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is S-16-68 over Bellyache Branch?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 29 ft wide.

Who owns S-16-68 over Bellyache Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.