US Bridges

US 17 Alt over Whites Creek

Fair

Georgetown County, South Carolina · In Georgetown · Structure no. 000000000002958

Built
1920
105 years old, rebuilt 1983
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
19,200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 17 Alt over Whites Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 17 Alt over Whites Creek in Georgetown County, South Carolina. It was built in 1920 and reconstructed in 1983, so it is 105 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 5 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 19,200 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 24,000 by 2043. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 85 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 17 Alt
CrossesWhites Creek
LocationIn Georgetown
RouteU.S. Route 17
CountyGeorgetown County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.38758, -79.31499
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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 rating41.1 US tons
Inventory rating24.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width85 ft (25.8 m)
Roadway width64 ft (19.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic19,200 (2023)
Projected traffic24,000 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure5
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$70,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 17 Alt over Whites Creek built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1983.

What condition is US 17 Alt over Whites Creek 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 2024.

How much traffic does US 17 Alt over Whites Creek carry?

About 19,200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 17 Alt over Whites Creek?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 85 ft wide.

Who owns US 17 Alt over Whites Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.