US Bridges

S-39-15 over Hartwell Lake

Fair

Pickens County, South Carolina · 3.6 MI NE Clemson · Structure no. 000000000007723

Built
1983
42 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
490 ft
7 main spans
Daily traffic
4,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-39-15 over Hartwell Lake is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S-39-15 over Hartwell Lake in Pickens County, South Carolina. It was built in 1983, so it is 42 years old, younger 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.

It carries about 4,500 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,235 by 2043. The structure is 490 ft (149.4 m) long and 39 ft wide.

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-39-15
CrossesHartwell Lake
Location3.6 MI NE Clemson
RouteState Highway 15
CountyPickens County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.72975, -82.81089
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 inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating69.3 US tons
Inventory rating32.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 15
Structure length490 ft (149.4 m)
Longest span70 ft (21.3 m)
Deck width39 ft (12 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,500 (2023)
Projected traffic8,235 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed—
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-39-15 over Hartwell Lake built?

It was built in 1983, making it 42 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-39-15 over Hartwell Lake 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 April 2024.

How much traffic does S-39-15 over Hartwell Lake carry?

About 4,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is S-39-15 over Hartwell Lake?

The structure is 490 ft (149.4 m) long with a longest span of 70 ft (21.3 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns S-39-15 over Hartwell Lake?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.