US Bridges

US 78 over Coldwater Branch

Fair

Dorchester County, South Carolina · 10 MI SE of ST George · Structure no. 000000000000271

Built
1928
97 years old, rebuilt 1937
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 78 over Coldwater Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 78 over Coldwater Branch in Dorchester County, South Carolina. It was built in 1928 and reconstructed in 1937, so it is 97 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 6,800 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,832 by 2043. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 44 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.8 mi (19 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 78
CrossesColdwater Branch
Location10 MI SE of ST George
RouteU.S. Route 78
CountyDorchester County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.14374, -80.41076
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.5 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadUnknown
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width44 ft (13.4 m)
Roadway width42 ft (12.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,800 (2023)
Projected traffic11,832 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.8 mi (19 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 78 over Coldwater Branch built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1937.

What condition is US 78 over Coldwater Branch 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does US 78 over Coldwater Branch carry?

About 6,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 78 over Coldwater Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 44 ft wide.

Who owns US 78 over Coldwater Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.