US Bridges

S-26-616 over Intracoastal Waterway

FairPosted for load

Horry County, South Carolina · 10.5MI S of Conway · Structure no. 000000000000687

Built
1935
90 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Movable - Swing
Steel
Length
297 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
17,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-26-616 over Intracoastal Waterway is a steel movable - swing carrying S-26-616 over Intracoastal Waterway in Horry County, South Carolina. It was built in 1935, so it is 90 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 17,800 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 21,716 by 2043. The structure is 297 ft (90.5 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-26-616
CrossesIntracoastal Waterway
Location10.5MI S of Conway
RouteState Highway 616
CountyHorry County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.68728, -79.00452
Functional classUrban 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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.5 US tons
Inventory rating25.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Swing
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+2 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length297 ft (90.5 m)
Longest span217 ft (66.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.5 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic17,800 (2023)
Projected traffic21,716 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
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 statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1.9 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was S-26-616 over Intracoastal Waterway built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-26-616 over Intracoastal Waterway 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does S-26-616 over Intracoastal Waterway carry?

About 17,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is S-26-616 over Intracoastal Waterway?

The structure is 297 ft (90.5 m) long with a longest span of 217 ft (66.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns S-26-616 over Intracoastal Waterway?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.