US Bridges

S-29-39 over South Branch of Wildcat

Fair

Lancaster County, South Carolina · 13.3MI E Lancaster · Structure no. 000000000000943

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Steel
Length
44 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-29-39 over South Branch of Wildcat is a steel culvert carrying S-29-39 over South Branch of Wildcat in Lancaster County, South Carolina. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 600 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 876 by 2043. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-29-39
CrossesSouth Branch of Wildcat
Location13.3MI E Lancaster
RouteState Highway 39
CountyLancaster County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.74417, -80.54139
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
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 inspectionJuly 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating37.1 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialSteel
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic600 (2023)
Projected traffic876 by 2043
Trucks9%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-29-39 over South Branch of Wildcat built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-29-39 over South Branch of Wildcat 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does S-29-39 over South Branch of Wildcat carry?

About 600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is S-29-39 over South Branch of Wildcat?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns S-29-39 over South Branch of Wildcat?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.