US Bridges

S-16-697 over Newman & Sparrow Swamp

Fair

Darlington County, South Carolina · 3MI SE Lamar · Structure no. 000000000004742

Built
1966
59 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
90 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
175
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-16-697 over Newman & Sparrow Swamp is a concrete slab carrying S-16-697 over Newman & Sparrow Swamp in Darlington County, South Carolina. It was built in 1966, so it is 59 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 175 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 224 by 2025. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-16-697
CrossesNewman & Sparrow Swamp
Location3MI SE Lamar
RouteState Highway 697
CountyDarlington County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.16528, -80.01194
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 spans6
Design loadH 10
Structure length90 ft (27.4 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 traffic175 (2023)
Projected traffic224 by 2025
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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$426,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-16-697 over Newman & Sparrow Swamp built?

It was built in 1966, making it 59 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-16-697 over Newman & 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does S-16-697 over Newman & Sparrow Swamp carry?

About 175 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is S-16-697 over Newman & Sparrow Swamp?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns S-16-697 over Newman & Sparrow Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.