US Bridges

US 501 over Spring Branch

Fair

Horry County, South Carolina · 6.0MI SE of Aynor · Structure no. 000000000001500

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
25,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 501 over Spring Branch is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 501 over Spring Branch in Horry County, South Carolina. It was built in 1948 and reconstructed in 1971, so it is 77 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 25,600 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 44,544 by 2043. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 120 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS 501
CrossesSpring Branch
Location6.0MI SE of Aynor
RouteU.S. Route 501
Coordinates33.93516, -79.16455
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.2 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width120 ft (36.6 m)
Roadway width56 ft (17.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25,600 (2023)
Projected traffic44,544 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 501 over Spring Branch built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1971.

What condition is US 501 over Spring 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 501 over Spring Branch carry?

About 25,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 501 over Spring Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 120 ft wide.

Who owns US 501 over Spring Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.