US Bridges

S-38-1540 over Early Branch

Fair

Orangeburg County, South Carolina · 3MI W Jamison · Structure no. 000000000007018

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
45 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
125
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-38-1540 over Early Branch is a concrete slab carrying S-38-1540 over Early Branch in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 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 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 125 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 160 by 2043. The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.2 mi (10 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-38-1540
CrossesEarly Branch
Location3MI W Jamison
RouteState Highway 1540
CountyOrangeburg County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.57856, -80.84434
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating48.6 US tons
Inventory rating28.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length45 ft (13.7 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 traffic125 (2023)
Projected traffic160 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.2 mi (10 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 S-38-1540 over Early Branch built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-38-1540 over Early 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 December 2024.

How much traffic does S-38-1540 over Early Branch carry?

About 125 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is S-38-1540 over Early Branch?

The structure is 45 ft (13.7 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns S-38-1540 over Early Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.