US Bridges

Sc 391 over Saluda River

Fair

Newberry County, South Carolina · 12.5 MI SE of Newberry · Structure no. 000000000008372

Built
1990
35 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
890 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
4,900
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sc 391 over Saluda River is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sc 391 over Saluda River in Newberry County, South Carolina. It was built in 1990, so it is 35 years old, younger 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 4,900 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,791 by 2043. The structure is 890 ft (271.4 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 11.2 mi (18 km).

CarriesSc 391
CrossesSaluda River
Location12.5 MI SE of Newberry
RouteState Highway 391
Coordinates34.09989, -81.56856
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating55 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 20
Structure length890 ft (271.4 m)
Longest span135 ft (41.1 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,900 (2023)
Projected traffic7,791 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed11.2 mi (18 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusEligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNavigation control on waterway (bridge permit required)

Frequently asked questions

When was Sc 391 over Saluda River built?

It was built in 1990, making it 35 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sc 391 over Saluda River 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 Sc 391 over Saluda River carry?

About 4,900 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is Sc 391 over Saluda River?

The structure is 890 ft (271.4 m) long with a longest span of 135 ft (41.1 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns Sc 391 over Saluda River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.