US Bridges

US 278 over House Fork

Fair

Hampton County, South Carolina · 1 MI E of Varnville · Structure no. 000000000000541

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1964
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 over House Fork is a concrete culvert carrying US 278 over House Fork in Hampton County, South Carolina. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1964, so it is 94 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 6,800 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,812 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 55 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 278
CrossesHouse Fork
Location1 MI E of Varnville
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyHampton County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates32.83387, -81.05697
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMarch 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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50 US tons
Inventory rating30 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width55 ft (16.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,800 (2023)
Projected traffic10,812 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278 over House Fork built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1964.

What condition is US 278 over House Fork 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US 278 over House Fork carry?

About 6,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 278 over House Fork?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 55 ft wide.

Who owns US 278 over House Fork?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.