US Bridges

US 176 over Wateree Creek

Fair

Richland County, South Carolina · 3 MI N of Chapin · Structure no. 000000000000697

Built
1935
90 years old, rebuilt 1972
Condition
Fair
inspected December 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel Continuous
Length
122 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 176 over Wateree Creek is a steel continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying US 176 over Wateree Creek in Richland County, South Carolina. It was built in 1935 and reconstructed in 1972, so it is 90 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 6 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 4,700 vehicles a day, roughly 7% of them trucks, projected to reach 8,742 by 2043. The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long and 47 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 176
CrossesWateree Creek
Location3 MI N of Chapin
RouteU.S. Route 176
CountyRichland County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.18644, -81.29662
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50.7 US tons
Inventory rating30.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length122 ft (37.2 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width47 ft (14.4 m)
Roadway width44 ft (13.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,700 (2023)
Projected traffic8,742 by 2043
Trucks7%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 176 over Wateree Creek built?

It was built in 1935, making it 90 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1972.

What condition is US 176 over Wateree 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 December 2023.

How much traffic does US 176 over Wateree Creek carry?

About 4,700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 7% are trucks.

How long is US 176 over Wateree Creek?

The structure is 122 ft (37.2 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 47 ft wide.

Who owns US 176 over Wateree Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.