US Bridges

S-33-38 over Lee Creek

FairPosted for load

McCormick County, South Carolina · 5.4 MI NE Mt Carmel · Structure no. 000000000001888

Built
1952
73 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
28 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
125
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-33-38 over Lee Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S-33-38 over Lee Creek in McCormick County, South Carolina. It was built in 1952, so it is 73 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 125 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 160 by 2043. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 20 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

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CarriesS-33-38
CrossesLee Creek
Location5.4 MI NE Mt Carmel
RouteState Highway 38
CountyMcCormick County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.03873, -82.42084
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
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 adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating25.4 US tons
Inventory rating19 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckWood or timber
Main spans1
Design loadUnknown
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span28 ft (8.5 m)
Deck width20 ft (6.2 m)
Roadway width18 ft (5.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic125 (2023)
Projected traffic160 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$177,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-33-38 over Lee Creek built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-33-38 over Lee Creek 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 2024.

How much traffic does S-33-38 over Lee Creek carry?

About 125 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is S-33-38 over Lee Creek?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 28 ft (8.5 m) and a deck 20 ft wide.

Who owns S-33-38 over Lee Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.