US Bridges

US 701 over Poplar Swamp

Fair

Horry County, South Carolina · 6.5MI NW of Conway · Structure no. 000000000000549

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1959
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
14,100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 701 over Poplar Swamp is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 701 over Poplar Swamp in Horry County, South Carolina. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1959, 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 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 14,100 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 14,241 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long and 77 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 701
CrossesPoplar Swamp
Location6.5MI NW of Conway
RouteU.S. Route 701
CountyHorry County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.93927, -79.03055
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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
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 rating62.8 US tons
Inventory rating37.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width77 ft (23.5 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,100 (2023)
Projected traffic14,241 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure3
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 701 over Poplar Swamp built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1959.

What condition is US 701 over Poplar Swamp 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 701 over Poplar Swamp carry?

About 14,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 701 over Poplar Swamp?

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 77 ft wide.

Who owns US 701 over Poplar Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.