US Bridges

US 378 over Beaver Dam Creek

Fair

Saluda County, South Carolina · 10.6 MI NE of Saluda · Structure no. 000000000001130

Built
1940
85 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
100 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 378 over Beaver Dam Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 378 over Beaver Dam Creek in Saluda County, South Carolina. It was built in 1940, 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 3,500 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 6,090 by 2043. The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 378
CrossesBeaver Dam Creek
Location10.6 MI NE of Saluda
RouteU.S. Route 378
CountySaluda County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.03034, -81.5897
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

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.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
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 geometry2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating50.4 US tons
Inventory rating30.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 15
Structure length100 ft (30.5 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.3 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,500 (2023)
Projected traffic6,090 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$341,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 378 over Beaver Dam Creek built?

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

What condition is US 378 over Beaver Dam 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 August 2024.

How much traffic does US 378 over Beaver Dam Creek carry?

About 3,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is US 378 over Beaver Dam Creek?

The structure is 100 ft (30.5 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns US 378 over Beaver Dam Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.