US Bridges

S-31-37 over Cowpen Swamp

Good

Lee County, South Carolina · 10 MI SW of Bishopville · Structure no. 000000000002576

Built
2016
9 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
70 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
250
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-31-37 over Cowpen Swamp is a prestressed concrete slab carrying S-31-37 over Cowpen Swamp in Lee County, South Carolina. It was built in 2016, so it is 9 years old, younger 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 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 250 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 365 by 2043. The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesS-31-37
CrossesCowpen Swamp
Location10 MI SW of Bishopville
RouteState Highway 37
Coordinates34.09789, -80.34891
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating72.9 US tons
Inventory rating56.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadHL 93
Structure length70 ft (21.3 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic250 (2023)
Projected traffic365 by 2043
Trucks12%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-31-37 over Cowpen Swamp built?

It was built in 2016, making it 9 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-31-37 over Cowpen Swamp 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does S-31-37 over Cowpen Swamp carry?

About 250 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is S-31-37 over Cowpen Swamp?

The structure is 70 ft (21.3 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns S-31-37 over Cowpen Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.