US Bridges

US 301 over Providence Swamp

Fair

Orangeburg County, South Carolina · 4MI SW of Santee · Structure no. 000000000005829

Built
1937
88 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Fair
inspected January 2025
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 301 over Providence Swamp is a concrete culvert carrying US 301 over Providence Swamp in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1937 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 88 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 6,500 vehicles a day, roughly 17% of them trucks, projected to reach 11,310 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long and 119 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 301
CrossesProvidence Swamp
Location4MI SW of Santee
RouteU.S. Route 301
CountyOrangeburg County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.46267, -80.5312
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJanuary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating40.3 US tons
Inventory rating23.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length32 ft (9.8 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width119 ft (36.3 m)
Roadway width117 ft (35.7 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,500 (2023)
Projected traffic11,310 by 2043
Trucks17%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 301 over Providence Swamp built?

It was built in 1937, making it 88 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is US 301 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 January 2025.

How much traffic does US 301 over Providence Swamp carry?

About 6,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 17% are trucks.

How long is US 301 over Providence Swamp?

The structure is 32 ft (9.8 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 119 ft wide.

Who owns US 301 over Providence Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.