US Bridges

US 501_BUS over Smith Swamp

Fair

Marion County, South Carolina · 1 MI SE of Marion · Structure no. 000000000000692

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1962
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,300
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 501_BUS over Smith Swamp is a concrete tee beam carrying US 501_BUS over Smith Swamp in Marion County, South Carolina. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1962, so it is 90 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.

It carries about 3,300 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,653 by 2043. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 41 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 501_BUS
CrossesSmith Swamp
Location1 MI SE of Marion
RouteU.S. Route 501
CountyMarion County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.15161, -79.39005
Functional classUrban 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width41 ft (12.6 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,300 (2023)
Projected traffic4,653 by 2043
Trucks10%
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 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 US 501_BUS over Smith Swamp built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1962.

What condition is US 501_BUS over Smith Swamp 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_BUS over Smith Swamp carry?

About 3,300 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 501_BUS over Smith Swamp?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 41 ft wide.

Who owns US 501_BUS over Smith Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.