US Bridges

US 176 over Providence Swamp

Fair

Orangeburg County, South Carolina · 3MI NW of Wellsy RD · Structure no. 000000000003725

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1961
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
122 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
3,000
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 176 over Providence Swamp is a concrete tee beam carrying US 176 over Providence Swamp in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1961, 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 3,000 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 4,380 by 2043. The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long and 46 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 176
CrossesProvidence Swamp
Location3MI NW of Wellsy RD
RouteU.S. Route 176
CountyOrangeburg County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.38244, -80.52124
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating46.1 US tons
Inventory rating27.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadHS 15
Structure length122 ft (37.2 m)
Longest span26 ft (7.9 m)
Deck width46 ft (14 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,000 (2023)
Projected traffic4,380 by 2043
Trucks11%
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 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 US 176 over Providence Swamp built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1961.

What condition is US 176 over Providence 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 176 over Providence Swamp carry?

About 3,000 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is US 176 over Providence Swamp?

The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long with a longest span of 26 ft (7.9 m) and a deck 46 ft wide.

Who owns US 176 over Providence Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.