US Bridges

S-37-193 over Whetstone Creek

PoorPosted for load

Oconee County, South Carolina · 10 MI NW Walhalla · Structure no. 000000000003413

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2025
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
75 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
150
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-37-193 over Whetstone Creek is a concrete slab carrying S-37-193 over Whetstone Creek in Oconee County, South Carolina. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 years old, older than the South Carolina average of 48 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 150 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 192 by 2043. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesS-37-193
CrossesWhetstone Creek
Location10 MI NW Walhalla
RouteState Highway 193
Coordinates34.84531, -83.20606
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be 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 rating30 US tons
Inventory rating17.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans5
Design loadH 10
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (2023)
Projected traffic192 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$366,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-37-193 over Whetstone Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-37-193 over Whetstone Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in February 2025.

How much traffic does S-37-193 over Whetstone Creek carry?

About 150 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is S-37-193 over Whetstone Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns S-37-193 over Whetstone Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.