US Bridges

Sc 277 over Smith Branch

Fair

Richland County, South Carolina · 2 MI N of Columbia · Structure no. 000000000005842

Built
1971
54 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
25 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
41,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sc 277 over Smith Branch is a concrete culvert carrying Sc 277 over Smith Branch in Richland County, South Carolina. It was built in 1971, so it is 54 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 41,600 vehicles a day, roughly 2% of them trucks, projected to reach 97,760 by 2043. The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSc 277
CrossesSmith Branch
Location2 MI N of Columbia
RouteState Highway 277
CountyRichland County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.02639, -81.03778
Functional classUrban Principal Arterial - Other Freeway or Expressway

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 inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating67.9 US tons
Inventory rating52.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadH 20
Structure length25 ft (7.6 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width0 ft (0 m)
Roadway width0 ft (0 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic41,600 (2023)
Projected traffic97,760 by 2043
Trucks2%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

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 Sc 277 over Smith Branch built?

It was built in 1971, making it 54 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sc 277 over 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Sc 277 over Smith Branch carry?

About 41,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 2% are trucks.

How long is Sc 277 over Smith Branch?

The structure is 25 ft (7.6 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m).

Who owns Sc 277 over Smith Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.