US Bridges

S-38-162 over Willow Swamp

Fair

Orangeburg County, South Carolina · 2MI SW Norway · Structure no. 000000000000961

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
225
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-38-162 over Willow Swamp is a concrete tee beam carrying S-38-162 over Willow Swamp 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 225 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 313 by 2043. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-38-162
CrossesWillow Swamp
Location2MI SW Norway
RouteState Highway 162
CountyOrangeburg County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.4245, -81.14692
Functional classRural Minor 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
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 inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 12 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating41.8 US tons
Inventory rating32.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic225 (2023)
Projected traffic313 by 2043
Trucks11%
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-38-162 over Willow Swamp built?

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

What condition is S-38-162 over Willow Swamp 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-38-162 over Willow Swamp carry?

About 225 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is S-38-162 over Willow Swamp?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns S-38-162 over Willow Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.