US Bridges

S-40-126 over Smiths Branch

Good

Richland County, South Carolina · 3 MI NW of Columbia · Structure no. 000000000009360

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Good
inspected December 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
66 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
3,600
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-40-126 over Smiths Branch is a concrete continuous slab carrying S-40-126 over Smiths Branch in Richland County, South Carolina. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 years old, younger than the South Carolina average of 48 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 3,600 vehicles a day, roughly 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,796 by 2043. The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long and 45 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-40-126
CrossesSmiths Branch
Location3 MI NW of Columbia
RouteState Highway 126
CountyRichland County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.03819, -81.06007
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionDecember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating69.7 US tons
Inventory rating53.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans2
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length66 ft (20.1 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width45 ft (13.7 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,600 (2023)
Projected traffic5,796 by 2043
Trucks3%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-40-126 over Smiths Branch built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-40-126 over Smiths Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in December 2024.

How much traffic does S-40-126 over Smiths Branch carry?

About 3,600 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 3% are trucks.

How long is S-40-126 over Smiths Branch?

The structure is 66 ft (20.1 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 45 ft wide.

Who owns S-40-126 over Smiths Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.