US Bridges

S-36-481 over Gilders Creek

FairPosted for load

Newberry County, South Carolina · 7.8 MI NW Newberry · Structure no. 000000000004189

Built
1963
62 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
120 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-36-481 over Gilders Creek is a prestressed concrete channel beam carrying S-36-481 over Gilders Creek in Newberry 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 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 200 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 256 by 2043. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-36-481
CrossesGilders Creek
Location7.8 MI NW Newberry
RouteState Highway 481
CountyNewberry County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.38752, -81.636
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
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 rating22.2 US tons
Inventory rating9.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadH 10
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (2023)
Projected traffic256 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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$600,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-36-481 over Gilders Creek built?

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

What condition is S-36-481 over Gilders 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 2023.

How much traffic does S-36-481 over Gilders Creek carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is S-36-481 over Gilders Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns S-36-481 over Gilders Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.