US Bridges

US 15/HWY 15 over Polk Swamp

Fair

Dorchester County, South Carolina · 3.4 MI S ST George · Structure no. 000000000000533

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1976
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
34 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 15/HWY 15 over Polk Swamp is a concrete culvert carrying US 15/HWY 15 over Polk Swamp in Dorchester County, South Carolina. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1976, 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 34 ft (10.4 m) long and 58 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 28 mi (45 km).

CarriesUS 15/HWY 15
CrossesPolk Swamp
Location3.4 MI S ST George
RouteU.S. Route 15
Coordinates33.13409, -80.58017
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating46.4 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadUnknown
Structure length34 ft (10.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width58 ft (17.7 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 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 closed28 mi (45 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 15/HWY 15 over Polk Swamp built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1976.

What condition is US 15/HWY 15 over Polk 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 15/HWY 15 over Polk Swamp carry?

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

How long is US 15/HWY 15 over Polk Swamp?

The structure is 34 ft (10.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 58 ft wide.

Who owns US 15/HWY 15 over Polk Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.