US Bridges

US 76 over Joe Cruse Branch

Good

Laurens County, South Carolina · 1.2 MI E of Laurens · Structure no. 000000000005795

Built
1970
55 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
23 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
10,900
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 76 over Joe Cruse Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 76 over Joe Cruse Branch in Laurens County, South Carolina. It was built in 1970, so it is 55 years old, older than the South Carolina average of 48 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 10,900 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 17,004 by 2043. The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long and 106 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

CarriesUS 76
CrossesJoe Cruse Branch
Location1.2 MI E of Laurens
RouteU.S. Route 76
Coordinates34.50048, -81.98957
Functional classUrban Other Principal Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating107.1 US tons
Inventory rating77.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length23 ft (7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width106 ft (32.3 m)
Roadway width35 ft (10.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic10,900 (2023)
Projected traffic17,004 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 76 over Joe Cruse Branch built?

It was built in 1970, making it 55 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 76 over Joe Cruse Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does US 76 over Joe Cruse Branch carry?

About 10,900 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is US 76 over Joe Cruse Branch?

The structure is 23 ft (7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 106 ft wide.

Who owns US 76 over Joe Cruse Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.