US Bridges

S-42-243 over Cherokee Creek

Fair

Spartanburg County, South Carolina · 7.0 MI NE Spartanburg · Structure no. 000000000000458

Built
1930
95 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected September 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
22 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
3,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-42-243 over Cherokee Creek is a concrete culvert carrying S-42-243 over Cherokee Creek in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1930, so it is 95 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 3% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,250 by 2043. The structure is 22 ft (6.7 m) long and 22 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-42-243
CrossesCherokee Creek
Location7.0 MI NE Spartanburg
RouteState Highway 243
CountySpartanburg County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates35.04977, -81.8906
Functional classUrban 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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionSeptember 2023
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 adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Operating rating50.7 US tons
Inventory rating38.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length22 ft (6.7 m)
Longest span22 ft (6.7 m)
Deck width22 ft (6.8 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,500 (2023)
Projected traffic5,250 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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$128,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-42-243 over Cherokee Creek built?

It was built in 1930, making it 95 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-42-243 over Cherokee 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 September 2023.

How much traffic does S-42-243 over Cherokee Creek carry?

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

How long is S-42-243 over Cherokee Creek?

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

Who owns S-42-243 over Cherokee Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.