US Bridges

L-728 over Sparrow Swamp

FairPosted for load

Darlington County, South Carolina · 10 MI W of Darlington · Structure no. 000000000009975

Built
2011
14 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
75 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
200
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

L-728 over Sparrow Swamp is a concrete slab carrying L-728 over Sparrow Swamp in Darlington County, South Carolina. It was built in 2011, so it is 14 years old, younger 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 200 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 256 by 2043. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesL-728
CrossesSparrow Swamp
Location10 MI W of Darlington
RouteCounty Highway 728
CountyDarlington County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.2547, -80.11198
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionOctober 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating31.7 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans5
Design loadH 10
Structure length75 ft (22.9 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 traffic200 (2023)
Projected traffic256 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$150,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was L-728 over Sparrow Swamp built?

It was built in 2011, making it 14 years old in 2025.

What condition is L-728 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 October 2023.

How much traffic does L-728 over Sparrow Swamp carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is L-728 over Sparrow Swamp?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns L-728 over Sparrow Swamp?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.