US Bridges

S-38-65 over Bull Swamp

Fair

Orangeburg County, South Carolina · 6 MI E Orangeburg · Structure no. 000000000001973

Built
2003
22 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
80 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
175
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-38-65 over Bull Swamp is a prestressed concrete slab carrying S-38-65 over Bull Swamp in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. It was built in 2003, so it is 22 years old, younger 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 175 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 224 by 2043. The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long and 38 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-38-65
CrossesBull Swamp
Location6 MI E Orangeburg
RouteState Highway 65
CountyOrangeburg County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.50574, -80.73416
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
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating66.5 US tons
Inventory rating30.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length80 ft (24.4 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width38 ft (11.7 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic175 (2023)
Projected traffic224 by 2043
Trucks13%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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-38-65 over Bull Swamp built?

It was built in 2003, making it 22 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-38-65 over Bull 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does S-38-65 over Bull Swamp carry?

About 175 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is S-38-65 over Bull Swamp?

The structure is 80 ft (24.4 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 38 ft wide.

Who owns S-38-65 over Bull Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.