US Bridges

S-38-39 over Trib-Betty Branch

Fair

Orangeburg County, South Carolina · 10 MI SE Orangeburg · Structure no. 000000000000959

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-38-39 over Trib-Betty Branch is a concrete culvert carrying S-38-39 over Trib-Betty Branch in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1939, so it is 86 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 700 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,022 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-38-39
CrossesTrib-Betty Branch
Location10 MI SE Orangeburg
RouteState Highway 39
CountyOrangeburg County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.35559, -80.88001
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.5 US tons
Inventory rating33.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length21 ft (6.3 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic700 (2023)
Projected traffic1,022 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed13 mi (21 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-38-39 over Trib-Betty Branch built?

It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-38-39 over Trib-Betty Branch 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does S-38-39 over Trib-Betty Branch carry?

About 700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is S-38-39 over Trib-Betty Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns S-38-39 over Trib-Betty Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.