US Bridges

S-31-44 over Canal Ditch

Fair

Lee County, South Carolina · 4 MI W Lynchburg · Structure no. 000000000004166

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
175
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-31-44 over Canal Ditch is a concrete continuous slab carrying S-31-44 over Canal Ditch in Lee County, South Carolina. It was built in 1963, so it is 62 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 175 vehicles a day, roughly 19% of them trucks, projected to reach 256 by 2043. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

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CarriesS-31-44
CrossesCanal Ditch
Location4 MI W Lynchburg
RouteState Highway 44
CountyLee County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.06487, -80.13589
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating33.6 US tons
Inventory rating20 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadH 10
Structure length45 ft (13.7 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic175 (2023)
Projected traffic256 by 2043
Trucks19%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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-31-44 over Canal Ditch built?

It was built in 1963, making it 62 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-31-44 over Canal Ditch 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 2023.

How much traffic does S-31-44 over Canal Ditch carry?

About 175 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 19% are trucks.

How long is S-31-44 over Canal Ditch?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns S-31-44 over Canal Ditch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.