US Bridges

S-39-23 over Town Creek

FairPosted for load

Pickens County, South Carolina · 1.0 MI W Pickens · Structure no. 000000000002605

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected October 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
90 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
2,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-39-23 over Town Creek is a prestressed concrete channel beam carrying S-39-23 over Town Creek in Pickens County, South Carolina. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,500 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,825 by 2043. The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-39-23
CrossesTown Creek
Location1.0 MI W Pickens
RouteState Highway 23
CountyPickens County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.89, -82.72361
Functional classUrban 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.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionOctober 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating26.5 US tons
Inventory rating7.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadH 10
Structure length90 ft (27.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.9 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,500 (2023)
Projected traffic3,825 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 statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$540,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-39-23 over Town Creek built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-39-23 over Town 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 October 2024.

How much traffic does S-39-23 over Town Creek carry?

About 2,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is S-39-23 over Town Creek?

The structure is 90 ft (27.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns S-39-23 over Town Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.