US Bridges

Sc 555 over Trib Smith Branch

Fair

Richland County, South Carolina · 2 MI N of Columbia · Structure no. 000000000001124

Built
1940
85 years old, rebuilt 1968
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
14,100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sc 555 over Trib Smith Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Sc 555 over Trib Smith Branch in Richland County, South Carolina. It was built in 1940 and reconstructed in 1968, so it is 85 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 14,100 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 19,035 by 2043. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long and 93 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSc 555
CrossesTrib Smith Branch
Location2 MI N of Columbia
RouteState Highway 555
CountyRichland County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.03772, -81.02275
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionNovember 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating47.2 US tons
Inventory rating28.2 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span8 ft (2.4 m)
Deck width93 ft (28.3 m)
Roadway width64 ft (19.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic14,100 (2023)
Projected traffic19,035 by 2043
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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 Sc 555 over Trib Smith Branch built?

It was built in 1940, making it 85 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1968.

What condition is Sc 555 over Trib Smith Branch 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 2023.

How much traffic does Sc 555 over Trib Smith Branch carry?

About 14,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Sc 555 over Trib Smith Branch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 8 ft (2.4 m) and a deck 93 ft wide.

Who owns Sc 555 over Trib Smith Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.