US Bridges

S-37-106 over Colonel Fork Creek

PoorPosted for load

Oconee County, South Carolina · 2 MI NE Westminster · Structure no. 000000000006755

Built
1975
50 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-37-106 over Colonel Fork Creek is a prestressed concrete channel beam carrying S-37-106 over Colonel Fork Creek in Oconee County, South Carolina. It was built in 1975, so it is 50 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 800 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,024 by 2043. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

CarriesS-37-106
CrossesColonel Fork Creek
Location2 MI NE Westminster
RouteState Highway 106
Coordinates34.68266, -83.06015
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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating15.8 US tons
Inventory rating5.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadH 10
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.5 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic800 (2023)
Projected traffic1,024 by 2043
Trucks8%
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$540,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-37-106 over Colonel Fork Creek built?

It was built in 1975, making it 50 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-37-106 over Colonel Fork 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does S-37-106 over Colonel Fork Creek carry?

About 800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is S-37-106 over Colonel Fork Creek?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns S-37-106 over Colonel Fork Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.