US Bridges

S-26-856 over Cowpen Swamp

Fair

Horry County, South Carolina · 8MI SE Loris · Structure no. 000000000006115

Built
1972
53 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
25
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-26-856 over Cowpen Swamp is a concrete slab carrying S-26-856 over Cowpen Swamp in Horry County, South Carolina. It was built in 1972, so it is 53 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.

It carries about 25 vehicles a day, projected to reach 32 by 2043. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-26-856
CrossesCowpen Swamp
Location8MI SE Loris
RouteState Highway 856
CountyHorry County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.96279, -78.78071
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating31.1 US tons
Inventory rating18.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadH 10
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic25 (2023)
Projected traffic32 by 2043
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 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-26-856 over Cowpen Swamp built?

It was built in 1972, making it 53 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-26-856 over Cowpen 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does S-26-856 over Cowpen Swamp carry?

About 25 vehicles per day (2023 count).

How long is S-26-856 over Cowpen Swamp?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns S-26-856 over Cowpen Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.