US Bridges

US 178 over Richland Creek

Fair

Saluda County, South Carolina · 5.0 MI SE of Saluda · Structure no. 000000000001649

Built
1949
76 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
94 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
4,900
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 178 over Richland Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying US 178 over Richland Creek in Saluda County, South Carolina. It was built in 1949, so it is 76 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 4,900 vehicles a day, roughly 14% of them trucks, projected to reach 7,791 by 2043. The structure is 94 ft (28.8 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesUS 178
CrossesRichland Creek
Location5.0 MI SE of Saluda
RouteU.S. Route 178
CountySaluda County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.99103, -81.68593
Functional classRural 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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionAugust 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32.2 US tons
Inventory rating12.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length94 ft (28.8 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,900 (2023)
Projected traffic7,791 by 2043
Trucks14%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$614,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 178 over Richland Creek built?

It was built in 1949, making it 76 years old in 2025.

What condition is US 178 over Richland 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 178 over Richland Creek carry?

About 4,900 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 14% are trucks.

How long is US 178 over Richland Creek?

The structure is 94 ft (28.8 m) long with a longest span of 22 ft (6.7 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns US 178 over Richland Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.