US Bridges

US 178 over Rices Creek

Fair

Pickens County, South Carolina · 3MI S of Pickens · Structure no. 000000000000114

Built
1920
105 years old, rebuilt 1958
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
40 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
7,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 178 over Rices Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 178 over Rices Creek in Pickens County, South Carolina. It was built in 1920 and reconstructed in 1958, so it is 105 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 7,600 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,184 by 2043. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 52 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 178
CrossesRices Creek
Location3MI S of Pickens
RouteU.S. Route 178
CountyPickens County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.85692, -82.70744
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

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.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionMay 2024
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 geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating49.3 US tons
Inventory rating29.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width52 ft (15.8 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic7,600 (2023)
Projected traffic10,184 by 2043
Trucks7%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$110,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 178 over Rices Creek built?

It was built in 1920, making it 105 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1958.

What condition is US 178 over Rices Creek 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does US 178 over Rices Creek carry?

About 7,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 178 over Rices Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 52 ft wide.

Who owns US 178 over Rices Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.