US Bridges

US 15 over Branch to Edisto River

Fair

Dorchester County, South Carolina · 7.2 MI SW ST George · Structure no. 000000000000530

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1964
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
200 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
2,700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 15 over Branch to Edisto River is a concrete tee beam carrying US 15 over Branch to Edisto River in Dorchester County, South Carolina. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1964, so it is 94 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 2,700 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,942 by 2043. The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

CarriesUS 15
CrossesBranch to Edisto River
Location7.2 MI SW ST George
RouteU.S. Route 15
Coordinates33.08682, -80.60215
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.1 US tons
Inventory rating35.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 15
Structure length200 ft (61 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.4 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,700 (2023)
Projected traffic3,942 by 2043
Trucks15%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 US 15 over Branch to Edisto River built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1964.

What condition is US 15 over Branch to Edisto River 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 2024.

How much traffic does US 15 over Branch to Edisto River carry?

About 2,700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is US 15 over Branch to Edisto River?

The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns US 15 over Branch to Edisto River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.