US Bridges

US 378 over Clouds Creek

Fair

Saluda County, South Carolina · 12.2 MI NE of Saluda · Structure no. 000000000001131

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

About this bridge

US 378 over Clouds Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 378 over Clouds 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 5 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 280 ft (85.3 m) long and 26 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 378
CrossesClouds Creek
Location12.2 MI NE of Saluda
RouteU.S. Route 378
CountySaluda County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.03556, -81.56341
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.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating56.1 US tons
Inventory rating34 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans7
Design loadHS 15
Structure length280 ft (85.3 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width26 ft (7.8 m)
Roadway width24 ft (7.2 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 closed1.2 mi (2 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$846,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 378 over Clouds Creek built?

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

What condition is US 378 over Clouds 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 Clouds Creek carry?

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

How long is US 378 over Clouds Creek?

The structure is 280 ft (85.3 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 26 ft wide.

Who owns US 378 over Clouds Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.