US Bridges

US 123 over Chauga Creek

Fair

Oconee County, South Carolina · 5.5 MI SW of Westminster · Structure no. 000000000001295

Built
1944
81 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
330 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
3,100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 123 over Chauga Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 123 over Chauga Creek in Oconee County, South Carolina. It was built in 1944, 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 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 3,100 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,394 by 2043. The structure is 330 ft (100.5 m) long and 27 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 123
CrossesChauga Creek
Location5.5 MI SW of Westminster
RouteU.S. Route 123
CountyOconee County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.61737, -83.1692
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
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 adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.7 US tons
Inventory rating31.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 15
Structure length330 ft (100.5 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width27 ft (8.3 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,100 (2023)
Projected traffic5,394 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$900,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 123 over Chauga Creek built?

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

What condition is US 123 over Chauga 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does US 123 over Chauga Creek carry?

About 3,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 123 over Chauga Creek?

The structure is 330 ft (100.5 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 27 ft wide.

Who owns US 123 over Chauga Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.