US Bridges

C-38-637 over Cedar Swamp

FairPosted for load

Orangeburg County, South Carolina · 7MI E Holly Hl (OC-3114) · Structure no. 000000000000966

Built
1939
86 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
200
2023 count
Owner
County
County Highway Agency

About this bridge

C-38-637 over Cedar Swamp is a concrete tee beam carrying C-38-637 over Cedar 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 200 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 256 by 2043. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 24 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 13 mi (21 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesC-38-637
CrossesCedar Swamp
Location7MI E Holly Hl (OC-3114)
RouteCounty Highway 637
CountyOrangeburg County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.29629, -80.29199
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
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 rating12.5 US tons
Inventory rating7.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 10
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width24 ft (7.2 m)
Roadway width22 ft (6.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (2023)
Projected traffic256 by 2043
Trucks5%
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

OwnerCounty Highway Agency
Maintained byCounty Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$471,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was C-38-637 over Cedar Swamp built?

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

What condition is C-38-637 over Cedar 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does C-38-637 over Cedar Swamp carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is C-38-637 over Cedar Swamp?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 24 ft wide.

Who owns C-38-637 over Cedar Swamp?

It is owned by the County Highway Agency.