US Bridges

US 15 over Black Creek

Fair

Darlington County, South Carolina · 3MI N of Hartsville · Structure no. 000000000005010

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
300 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
6,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 15 over Black Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 15 over Black Creek in Darlington County, South Carolina. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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 6,000 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,460 by 2043. The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 15
CrossesBlack Creek
Location3MI N of Hartsville
RouteU.S. Route 15
CountyDarlington County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.39218, -80.02884
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJanuary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 rating50.7 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadHS 20
Structure length300 ft (91.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width36 ft (10.9 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,000 (2023)
Projected traffic8,460 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 US 15 over Black Creek built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 15 over Black 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 January 2024.

How much traffic does US 15 over Black Creek carry?

About 6,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 15 over Black Creek?

The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns US 15 over Black Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.