US Bridges

US 178 over Wolf Creek

Good

Pickens County, South Carolina · 1.5MI S of Pickens · Structure no. 000000000000304

Built
1928
97 years old
Condition
Good
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
38 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
6,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 178 over Wolf Creek is a concrete culvert carrying US 178 over Wolf Creek in Pickens County, South Carolina. It was built in 1928, so it is 97 years old, older than the South Carolina average of 48 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 6,500 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,255 by 2043. The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 178
CrossesWolf Creek
Location1.5MI S of Pickens
RouteU.S. Route 178
CountyPickens County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.86612, -82.70623
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating40.7 US tons
Inventory rating24.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length38 ft (11.6 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,500 (2023)
Projected traffic8,255 by 2043
Trucks6%
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$125,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 178 over Wolf Creek built?

It was built in 1928, making it 97 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 178 over Wolf Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in May 2024.

How much traffic does US 178 over Wolf Creek carry?

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

How long is US 178 over Wolf Creek?

The structure is 38 ft (11.6 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns US 178 over Wolf Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.