US Bridges

Sc 261 over Penny Royal Creek

Poor

Georgetown County, South Carolina · 18 MI N Georgetown · Structure no. 000000000001471

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected April 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sc 261 over Penny Royal Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying Sc 261 over Penny Royal Creek in Georgetown County, South Carolina. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 years old, older than the South Carolina average of 48 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 1,100 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,749 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSc 261
CrossesPenny Royal Creek
Location18 MI N Georgetown
RouteState Highway 261
CountyGeorgetown County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.66556, -79.30944
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating42.1 US tons
Inventory rating32.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.6 m)
Roadway width27 ft (8.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,100 (2023)
Projected traffic1,749 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Sc 261 over Penny Royal Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sc 261 over Penny Royal Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does Sc 261 over Penny Royal Creek carry?

About 1,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Sc 261 over Penny Royal Creek?

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns Sc 261 over Penny Royal Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.