US Bridges

Sc 194 over Big Creek

Fair

Saluda County, South Carolina · 6.5 MI NE of Saluda · Structure no. 000000000007165

Built
1978
47 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
240 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,300
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sc 194 over Big Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying Sc 194 over Big Creek in Saluda County, South Carolina. It was built in 1978, so it is 47 years old, younger 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 1,300 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,898 by 2043. The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.7 mi (14 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSc 194
CrossesBig Creek
Location6.5 MI NE of Saluda
RouteState Highway 194
CountySaluda County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.07361, -81.69861
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating77.5 US tons
Inventory rating48.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 20
Structure length240 ft (73.2 m)
Longest span60 ft (18.3 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.1 m)
Roadway width36 ft (11 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,300 (2023)
Projected traffic1,898 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.7 mi (14 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 Sc 194 over Big Creek built?

It was built in 1978, making it 47 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sc 194 over Big 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 Sc 194 over Big Creek carry?

About 1,300 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is Sc 194 over Big Creek?

The structure is 240 ft (73.2 m) long with a longest span of 60 ft (18.3 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns Sc 194 over Big Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.