US Bridges

US 17 over Great Swamp

Fair

Jasper County, South Carolina · 5MI S of Ridgeland · Structure no. 000000000000875

Built
1938
87 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
180 ft
6 main spans
Daily traffic
3,100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 17 over Great Swamp is a concrete tee beam carrying US 17 over Great Swamp in Jasper County, South Carolina. It was built in 1938, 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 6 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 3,100 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,526 by 2043. The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 17
CrossesGreat Swamp
Location5MI S of Ridgeland
RouteU.S. Route 17
CountyJasper County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates32.40618, -81.0189
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.8 US tons
Inventory rating36 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans6
Design loadH 15
Structure length180 ft (54.9 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,100 (2023)
Projected traffic4,526 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$486,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 17 over Great Swamp built?

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

What condition is US 17 over Great 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 2023.

How much traffic does US 17 over Great Swamp carry?

About 3,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 17 over Great Swamp?

The structure is 180 ft (54.9 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns US 17 over Great Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.