US Bridges

S-29-42 over Clems Branch

Fair

Lancaster County, South Carolina · 10.8MI N Vanwyck · Structure no. 000000000006527

Built
1974
51 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
120 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
9,900
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-29-42 over Clems Branch is a prestressed concrete tee beam carrying S-29-42 over Clems Branch in Lancaster County, South Carolina. It was built in 1974, so it is 51 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 9,900 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 13,167 by 2043. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-29-42
CrossesClems Branch
Location10.8MI N Vanwyck
RouteState Highway 42
CountyLancaster County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates35.0125, -80.89361
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.
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 protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
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 adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating44 US tons
Inventory rating26.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+6 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic9,900 (2023)
Projected traffic13,167 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$404,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-29-42 over Clems Branch built?

It was built in 1974, making it 51 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-29-42 over Clems Branch 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does S-29-42 over Clems Branch carry?

About 9,900 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is S-29-42 over Clems Branch?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns S-29-42 over Clems Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.