US Bridges

US 278 over Coosawhatchie River

Fair

Hampton County, South Carolina · 5 MI SE of Varnville · Structure no. 000000000002554

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected March 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
300 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
1,750
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 278 over Coosawhatchie River is a concrete tee beam carrying US 278 over Coosawhatchie River in Hampton County, South Carolina. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 1,750 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,783 by 2043. The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 278
CrossesCoosawhatchie River
Location5 MI SE of Varnville
RouteU.S. Route 278
CountyHampton County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates32.7961, -81.05616
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMarch 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.3 US tons
Inventory rating29.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadHS 15
Structure length300 ft (91.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,750 (2023)
Projected traffic2,783 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 US 278 over Coosawhatchie River built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 278 over Coosawhatchie 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 March 2024.

How much traffic does US 278 over Coosawhatchie River carry?

About 1,750 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 278 over Coosawhatchie River?

The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns US 278 over Coosawhatchie River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.