US Bridges

S-18-19/WIRE Road over Polk Swamp

Fair

Dorchester County, South Carolina · 7.1MI SE ST George · Structure no. 000000000003258

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
75 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
1,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-18-19/WIRE Road over Polk Swamp is a concrete slab carrying S-18-19/WIRE Road over Polk Swamp in Dorchester County, South Carolina. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 1,000 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,460 by 2043. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 9.9 mi (16 km).

Location

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CarriesS-18-19/WIRE Road
CrossesPolk Swamp
Location7.1MI SE ST George
RouteState Highway 19
CountyDorchester County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.0894, -80.52114
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 inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 rating47.5 US tons
Inventory rating28.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
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 traffic1,000 (2023)
Projected traffic1,460 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed9.9 mi (16 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 S-18-19/WIRE Road over Polk Swamp built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-18-19/WIRE Road 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 May 2023.

How much traffic does S-18-19/WIRE Road over Polk Swamp carry?

About 1,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is S-18-19/WIRE Road over Polk 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 S-18-19/WIRE Road over Polk Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.