US Bridges

US 178 over Caw Caw Swamp

Fair

Orangeburg County, South Carolina · 0.5MI N of Orangeburg · Structure no. 000000000001260

Built
1942
83 years old, rebuilt 1975
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
120 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
29,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 178 over Caw Caw Swamp is a concrete tee beam carrying US 178 over Caw Caw Swamp in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1942 and reconstructed in 1975, so it is 83 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 6 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 29,000 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 40,890 by 2043. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 76 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 178
CrossesCaw Caw Swamp
Location0.5MI N of Orangeburg
RouteU.S. Route 178
CountyOrangeburg County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.52256, -80.88441
Functional classUrban 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating38.3 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadH 10
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width76 ft (23.3 m)
Roadway width64 ft (19.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,000 (2023)
Projected traffic40,890 by 2043
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway and pedestrian
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 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 Caw Caw Swamp built?

It was built in 1942, making it 83 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1975.

What condition is US 178 over Caw Caw 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 2023.

How much traffic does US 178 over Caw Caw Swamp carry?

About 29,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is US 178 over Caw Caw Swamp?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 76 ft wide.

Who owns US 178 over Caw Caw Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.