US Bridges

S-26-642 over Palmetto Swamp

FairPosted for load

Horry County, South Carolina · 6MI S Aynor · Structure no. 000000000005098

Built
1967
58 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
30 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-26-642 over Palmetto Swamp is a concrete slab carrying S-26-642 over Palmetto Swamp in Horry County, South Carolina. It was built in 1967, so it is 58 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 700 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 896 by 2043. The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesS-26-642
CrossesPalmetto Swamp
Location6MI S Aynor
RouteState Highway 642
Coordinates33.90869, -79.21239
Functional classRural Local

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 protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating30 US tons
Inventory rating17.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length30 ft (9.1 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.6 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic700 (2023)
Projected traffic896 by 2043
Trucks5%
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 S-26-642 over Palmetto Swamp built?

It was built in 1967, making it 58 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-26-642 over Palmetto 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does S-26-642 over Palmetto Swamp carry?

About 700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is S-26-642 over Palmetto Swamp?

The structure is 30 ft (9.1 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns S-26-642 over Palmetto Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.