US Bridges

US 501 over Crabtree Swamp

Poor

Horry County, South Carolina · 2.0 MI W of Conway · Structure no. 000000000001501

Built
1948
77 years old, rebuilt 1971
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
38,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 501 over Crabtree Swamp is a concrete culvert carrying US 501 over Crabtree Swamp 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

It carries about 38,600 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 48,250 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long and 94 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 501
CrossesCrabtree Swamp
Location2.0 MI W of Conway
RouteU.S. Route 501
CountyHorry County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.84921, -79.0696
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Culvert4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating54.2 US tons
Inventory rating32.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width94 ft (28.8 m)
Roadway width64 ft (19.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic38,600 (2023)
Projected traffic48,250 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$98,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 501 over Crabtree Swamp built?

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

What condition is US 501 over Crabtree Swamp in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in November 2024.

How much traffic does US 501 over Crabtree Swamp carry?

About 38,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is US 501 over Crabtree Swamp?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 94 ft wide.

Who owns US 501 over Crabtree Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.