US Bridges

S-39-90 over Rices Creek

PoorPosted for load

Pickens County, South Carolina · 3.0 MI NW Easley · Structure no. 000000000002608

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
60 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,300
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-39-90 over Rices Creek is a concrete slab carrying S-39-90 over Rices 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 poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 2,300 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,519 by 2043. The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesS-39-90
CrossesRices Creek
Location3.0 MI NW Easley
RouteState Highway 90
Coordinates34.84653, -82.64477
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

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.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
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 rating30.3 US tons
Inventory rating17.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans4
Design loadH 10
Structure length60 ft (18.3 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width23 ft (7.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,300 (2023)
Projected traffic3,519 by 2043
Trucks5%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$387,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-39-90 over Rices Creek built?

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

What condition is S-39-90 over Rices Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does S-39-90 over Rices Creek carry?

About 2,300 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is S-39-90 over Rices Creek?

The structure is 60 ft (18.3 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns S-39-90 over Rices Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.