US Bridges

US 276 over Middle Saluda River

Fair

Greenville County, South Carolina · 9.0 MI NW Travelers Rest · Structure no. 000000000001049

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
200 ft
8 main spans
Daily traffic
1,150
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 276 over Middle Saluda River is a concrete tee beam carrying US 276 over Middle Saluda River in Greenville County, South Carolina. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 85 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 1,150 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,070 by 2043. The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesUS 276
CrossesMiddle Saluda River
Location9.0 MI NW Travelers Rest
RouteU.S. Route 276
Coordinates35.0725, -82.52667
Functional classRural Minor 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating29.7 US tons
Inventory rating17.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans8
Design loadH 15
Structure length200 ft (61 m)
Longest span25 ft (7.6 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.6 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,150 (2023)
Projected traffic2,070 by 2043
Trucks3%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 276 over Middle Saluda River built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is US 276 over Middle Saluda River 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US 276 over Middle Saluda River carry?

About 1,150 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US 276 over Middle Saluda River?

The structure is 200 ft (61 m) long with a longest span of 25 ft (7.6 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns US 276 over Middle Saluda River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.