US Bridges

US 17 over South Socastee Swamp

Fair

Horry County, South Carolina · 4.0 MI NW Surfside · Structure no. 000000000007379

Built
1980
45 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
20 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
46,300
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 17 over South Socastee Swamp is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 17 over South Socastee Swamp in Horry County, South Carolina. It was built in 1980, so it is 45 years old, younger 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 46,300 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 57,875 by 2043. The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long and 154 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesUS 17
CrossesSouth Socastee Swamp
Location4.0 MI NW Surfside
RouteU.S. Route 17
Coordinates33.67459, -78.96666
Functional classUrban Other Principal 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating62.2 US tons
Inventory rating47.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length20 ft (6.1 m)
Longest span9 ft (2.7 m)
Deck width154 ft (46.9 m)
Roadway width58 ft (17.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic46,300 (2023)
Projected traffic57,875 by 2043
Trucks3%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

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 17 over South Socastee Swamp built?

It was built in 1980, making it 45 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 17 over South Socastee 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does US 17 over South Socastee Swamp carry?

About 46,300 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is US 17 over South Socastee Swamp?

The structure is 20 ft (6.1 m) long with a longest span of 9 ft (2.7 m) and a deck 154 ft wide.

Who owns US 17 over South Socastee Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.