US Bridges

S-16-786 over Bellyche Swamp

PoorClosed to traffic

Darlington County, South Carolina · 4 MI W Darlington · Structure no. 000000000007885

Built
1985
40 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected January 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
125
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-16-786 over Bellyche Swamp is a concrete slab carrying S-16-786 over Bellyche Swamp in Darlington County, South Carolina. It was built in 1985, so it is 40 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 4 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. Its operating status is: closed to all traffic.

It carries about 125 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 160 by 2043. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 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-16-786
CrossesBellyche Swamp
Location4 MI W Darlington
RouteState Highway 786
CountyDarlington County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.32855, -79.95208
Functional classRural 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusClosed to all traffic
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length30 ft (9.1 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 traffic125 (2023)
Projected traffic160 by 2043
Trucks5%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$53,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-16-786 over Bellyche Swamp built?

It was built in 1985, making it 40 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-16-786 over Bellyche Swamp 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-16-786 over Bellyche Swamp carry?

About 125 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is S-16-786 over Bellyche Swamp?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns S-16-786 over Bellyche Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.