US Bridges

I-26 over Earley Branch

Fair

Orangeburg County, South Carolina · 6 MI N of Orangeburg · Structure no. 000000000003418

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
29,400
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

I-26 over Earley Branch is a concrete culvert carrying I-26 over Earley Branch in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 29,400 vehicles a day, roughly 21% of them trucks, projected to reach 47,040 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long and 132 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

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CarriesI-26
CrossesEarley Branch
Location6 MI N of Orangeburg
RouteInterstate 26
CountyOrangeburg County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.57928, -80.8438
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Interstate

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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert6 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 geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating105.1 US tons
Inventory rating81 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width132 ft (40.2 m)
Roadway width75 ft (22.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic29,400 (2023)
Projected traffic47,040 by 2043
Trucks21%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes
Strategic Highway NetworkInterstate STRAHNET route

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was I-26 over Earley Branch built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is I-26 over Earley 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 I-26 over Earley Branch carry?

About 29,400 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 21% are trucks.

How long is I-26 over Earley Branch?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 132 ft wide.

Who owns I-26 over Earley Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.