US Bridges

US 52 over Middle Swamp

Fair

Florence County, South Carolina · 4MI S of Florence · Structure no. 000000000000251

Built
1927
98 years old, rebuilt 1967
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
35,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 52 over Middle Swamp is a concrete culvert carrying US 52 over Middle Swamp in Florence County, South Carolina. It was built in 1927 and reconstructed in 1967, so it is 98 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 35,600 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 31,684 by 2043. The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long and 132 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 52
CrossesMiddle Swamp
Location4MI S of Florence
RouteU.S. Route 52
CountyFlorence County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.13828, -79.76992
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.3 US tons
Inventory rating22.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length38 ft (11.5 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width132 ft (40.2 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic35,600 (2023)
Projected traffic31,684 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$390,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 52 over Middle Swamp built?

It was built in 1927, making it 98 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1967.

What condition is US 52 over Middle 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US 52 over Middle Swamp carry?

About 35,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 52 over Middle Swamp?

The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 132 ft wide.

Who owns US 52 over Middle Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.