US Bridges

US 178 over Long Branch

Fair

Orangeburg County, South Carolina · 12MI NW of Orangeburg · Structure no. 000000000001113

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 178 over Long Branch is a concrete culvert carrying US 178 over Long Branch in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1940, so it is 85 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 3,800 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,042 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 42 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 178
CrossesLong Branch
Location12MI NW of Orangeburg
RouteU.S. Route 178
CountyOrangeburg County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.6033, -80.99909
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 inspectionAugust 2023
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating53.9 US tons
Inventory rating32.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 20
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width42 ft (12.8 m)
Roadway width25 ft (7.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,800 (2023)
Projected traffic6,042 by 2043
Trucks8%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed5 mi (8 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 US 178 over Long Branch built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 178 over Long 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does US 178 over Long Branch carry?

About 3,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is US 178 over Long Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 42 ft wide.

Who owns US 178 over Long Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.