US Bridges

S-16-185 over Swift Creek

Poor

Darlington County, South Carolina · In Darlington-Well ST · Structure no. 000000000007097

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
90 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
1,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-16-185 over Swift Creek is a concrete slab carrying S-16-185 over Swift Creek in Darlington County, South Carolina. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, younger than the South Carolina average of 48 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 3 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,000 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,280 by 2043. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-16-185
CrossesSwift Creek
LocationIn Darlington-Well ST
RouteState Highway 185
CountyDarlington County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.30421, -79.87861
Functional classUrban Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure3 SeriousLoss of section, deterioration, spalling or scour have seriously affected primary structural components.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating45 US tons
Inventory rating26.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,000 (2023)
Projected traffic1,280 by 2043
Trucks3%
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-16-185 over Swift Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-16-185 over Swift Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in January 2025.

How much traffic does S-16-185 over Swift Creek carry?

About 1,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is S-16-185 over Swift Creek?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns S-16-185 over Swift Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.