US Bridges

Sc 39 over S. Edisto River Swamp

Fair

Orangeburg County, South Carolina · 3MI SW of Springfield · Structure no. 000000000001115

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1968
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
69 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sc 39 over S. Edisto River Swamp is a concrete tee beam carrying Sc 39 over S. Edisto River Swamp in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1968, 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 2,200 vehicles a day, roughly 16% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,498 by 2043. The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long and 48 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 5 mi (8 km).

CarriesSc 39
CrossesS. Edisto River Swamp
Location3MI SW of Springfield
RouteState Highway 39
Coordinates33.48066, -81.31056
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
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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionNovember 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 geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.5 US tons
Inventory rating22.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length69 ft (21 m)
Longest span23 ft (7.1 m)
Deck width48 ft (14.7 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,200 (2023)
Projected traffic3,498 by 2043
Trucks16%
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 Sc 39 over S. Edisto River Swamp built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1968.

What condition is Sc 39 over S. Edisto River 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 Sc 39 over S. Edisto River Swamp carry?

About 2,200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 16% are trucks.

How long is Sc 39 over S. Edisto River Swamp?

The structure is 69 ft (21 m) long with a longest span of 23 ft (7.1 m) and a deck 48 ft wide.

Who owns Sc 39 over S. Edisto River Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.