US Bridges

US 501 over Reedy Creek

Fair

Marion County, South Carolina · 4 MI N of Horry CO · Structure no. 000000000000047

Built
1944
81 years old, rebuilt 1972
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete Continuous
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
16,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 501 over Reedy Creek is a concrete continuous culvert carrying US 501 over Reedy Creek in Marion County, South Carolina. It was built in 1944 and reconstructed in 1972, so it is 81 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 16,000 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 27,840 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long and 125 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 501
CrossesReedy Creek
Location4 MI N of Horry CO
RouteU.S. Route 501
CountyMarion County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.08094, -79.31361
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.5 US tons
Inventory rating22.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width125 ft (38.1 m)
Roadway width77 ft (23.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic16,000 (2023)
Projected traffic27,840 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure5
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 501 over Reedy Creek built?

It was built in 1944, making it 81 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1972.

What condition is US 501 over Reedy 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does US 501 over Reedy Creek carry?

About 16,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 501 over Reedy Creek?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 125 ft wide.

Who owns US 501 over Reedy Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.