S-38-50 over Middle Pen Branch
FairOrangeburg County, South Carolina · 3 MI E Orangeburg · Structure no. 000000000000960
- Built
- 1939
- 86 years old
- Condition
- Fair
- inspected November 2023
- Type
- Tee Beam
- Concrete
- Length
- 90 ft
- 3 main spans
- Daily traffic
- 400
- 2023 count
- Owner
- State
- State Highway Agency
About this bridge
S-38-50 over Middle Pen Branch is a concrete tee beam carrying S-38-50 over Middle Pen 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 400 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 584 by 2043. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).
Location
Open in Google MapsCondition and inspection
The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.
| Component | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Superstructure | 5 Fair | All primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour. |
| Substructure | 6 Satisfactory | Structural elements show some minor deterioration. |
| Channel and channel protection | 7 Good | Some minor problems. |
Structure
Traffic and service
Ownership and planned work
Frequently asked questions
When was S-38-50 over Middle Pen Branch built?
It was built in 1939, making it 86 years old in 2025.
What condition is S-38-50 over Middle Pen 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 2023.
How much traffic does S-38-50 over Middle Pen Branch carry?
About 400 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.
How long is S-38-50 over Middle Pen Branch?
The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.
Who owns S-38-50 over Middle Pen Branch?
It is owned by the State Highway Agency.