US Bridges

US 278 over Sanders Branch

Fair

Hampton County, South Carolina · SE Cl of Hampton · Structure no. 000000000001331

Built
1946
79 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
12,100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 over Sanders Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 278 over Sanders Branch in Hampton County, South Carolina. It was built in 1946, so it is 79 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 12,100 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,239 by 2043. The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long and 62 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 278
CrossesSanders Branch
LocationSE Cl of Hampton
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyHampton County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates32.86054, -81.09998
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating55 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 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 width62 ft (18.9 m)
Roadway width45 ft (13.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic12,100 (2023)
Projected traffic19,239 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 278 over Sanders Branch built?

It was built in 1946, making it 79 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278 over Sanders Branch 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does US 278 over Sanders Branch carry?

About 12,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 278 over Sanders Branch?

The structure is 38 ft (11.5 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 62 ft wide.

Who owns US 278 over Sanders Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.