US Bridges

S-39-270 over Fifteen Mile Creek

PoorPosted for load

Pickens County, South Carolina · 2.0 MI SE Norris · Structure no. 000000000004636

Built
1965
60 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected November 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
60 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,800
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-39-270 over Fifteen Mile Creek is a concrete slab carrying S-39-270 over Fifteen Mile Creek in Pickens County, South Carolina. It was built in 1965, so it is 60 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 2,800 vehicles a day, roughly 8% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,444 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-39-270
CrossesFifteen Mile Creek
Location2.0 MI SE Norris
RouteState Highway 270
Coordinates34.75615, -82.7281
Functional classRural Major 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
Deck4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
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 evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating29.3 US tons
Inventory rating17.5 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 width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,800 (2023)
Projected traffic3,444 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$387,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-39-270 over Fifteen Mile Creek built?

It was built in 1965, making it 60 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-39-270 over Fifteen Mile 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 November 2024.

How much traffic does S-39-270 over Fifteen Mile Creek carry?

About 2,800 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 8% are trucks.

How long is S-39-270 over Fifteen Mile 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-39-270 over Fifteen Mile Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.