US Bridges

US 178 over Pond Branch

Fair

Lexington County, South Carolina · 3 MI SW of Columbia · Structure no. 000000000001966

Built
1926
99 years old, rebuilt 1961
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 178 over Pond Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 178 over Pond Branch in Lexington County, South Carolina. It was built in 1926 and reconstructed in 1961, so it is 99 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 3,600 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,724 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 178
CrossesPond Branch
Location3 MI SW of Columbia
RouteU.S. Route 178
CountyLexington County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.66037, -81.18258
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32.5 US tons
Inventory rating19.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.6 m)
Roadway width39 ft (11.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,600 (2023)
Projected traffic5,724 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

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 178 over Pond Branch built?

It was built in 1926, making it 99 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1961.

What condition is US 178 over Pond 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does US 178 over Pond Branch carry?

About 3,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is US 178 over Pond Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns US 178 over Pond Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.