US Bridges

S-38-690 over Roberts Swamp

PoorPosted for load

Orangeburg County, South Carolina · 6 MI E Norway · Structure no. 000000000003439

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
75 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
175
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-38-690 over Roberts Swamp is a concrete slab carrying S-38-690 over Roberts Swamp 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 175 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 224 by 2043. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-38-690
CrossesRoberts Swamp
Location6 MI E Norway
RouteState Highway 690
CountyOrangeburg County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.43614, -81.05268
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating29.3 US tons
Inventory rating12.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans5
Design loadH 10
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic175 (2023)
Projected traffic224 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$366,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-38-690 over Roberts Swamp built?

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

What condition is S-38-690 over Roberts Swamp in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does S-38-690 over Roberts Swamp carry?

About 175 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is S-38-690 over Roberts Swamp?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns S-38-690 over Roberts Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.