US Bridges

L-26-834 over Intracoastal Waterway

FairPosted for load

Horry County, South Carolina · Myrtle Beach · Structure no. 000000000009973

Built
1938
87 years old, rebuilt 2000
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Movable - Swing
Steel
Length
598 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
6,100
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

L-26-834 over Intracoastal Waterway is a steel movable - swing carrying L-26-834 over Intracoastal Waterway in Horry County, South Carolina. It was built in 1938 and reconstructed in 2000, so it is 87 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 6,100 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,551 by 2043. The structure is 598 ft (182.3 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

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CarriesL-26-834
CrossesIntracoastal Waterway
LocationMyrtle Beach
RouteCounty Highway 834
CountyHorry County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.803, -78.74143
Functional classUrban Collector

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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.8 US tons
Inventory rating22.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeMovable - Swing
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+4 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length598 ft (182.3 m)
Longest span329 ft (100.4 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deck15 ft (4.6 m)

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,100 (2023)
Projected traffic5,551 by 2043
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionOne-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was L-26-834 over Intracoastal Waterway built?

It was built in 1938, making it 87 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2000.

What condition is L-26-834 over Intracoastal Waterway 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 L-26-834 over Intracoastal Waterway carry?

About 6,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is L-26-834 over Intracoastal Waterway?

The structure is 598 ft (182.3 m) long with a longest span of 329 ft (100.4 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns L-26-834 over Intracoastal Waterway?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.