US Bridges

S-39-159 over Trib to Praters Creek

FairPosted for load

Pickens County, South Carolina · 3.0 MI NE Six Mile · Structure no. 000000000004399

Built
1964
61 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
75 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
275
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-39-159 over Trib to Praters Creek is a prestressed concrete channel beam carrying S-39-159 over Trib to Praters Creek in Pickens County, South Carolina. It was built in 1964, so it is 61 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 275 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 402 by 2043. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-39-159
CrossesTrib to Praters Creek
Location3.0 MI NE Six Mile
RouteState Highway 159
CountyPickens County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.84048, -82.78099
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 inspectionNovember 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating24.7 US tons
Inventory rating8.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2 (+1 approach)
Design loadH 10
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic275 (2023)
Projected traffic402 by 2043
Trucks8%
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$444,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-39-159 over Trib to Praters Creek built?

It was built in 1964, making it 61 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-39-159 over Trib to Praters 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does S-39-159 over Trib to Praters Creek carry?

About 275 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is S-39-159 over Trib to Praters Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns S-39-159 over Trib to Praters Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.