US Bridges

S-16-290 over Sparrow Swamp

Fair

Darlington County, South Carolina · 2MI NW Lamar · Structure no. 000000000005014

Built
1967
58 years old, rebuilt 1995
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
120 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
275
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-16-290 over Sparrow Swamp is a concrete slab carrying S-16-290 over Sparrow Swamp in Darlington County, South Carolina. It was built in 1967 and reconstructed in 1995, 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 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 275 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 352 by 2025. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-16-290
CrossesSparrow Swamp
Location2MI NW Lamar
RouteState Highway 290
CountyDarlington County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.21389, -80.07833
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating31.1 US tons
Inventory rating18.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans8
Design loadH 10
Structure length120 ft (36.6 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 traffic275 (2023)
Projected traffic352 by 2025
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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-16-290 over Sparrow Swamp built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1995.

What condition is S-16-290 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does S-16-290 over Sparrow Swamp carry?

About 275 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is S-16-290 over Sparrow Swamp?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns S-16-290 over Sparrow Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.