US Bridges

S-42-197 over South Tyger River

PoorPosted for load

Spartanburg County, South Carolina · 6.0 MI N Woodruff · Structure no. 000000000005624

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Channel Beam
Prestressed Concrete
Length
195 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
1,100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-42-197 over South Tyger River is a prestressed concrete channel beam carrying S-42-197 over South Tyger River in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 years old, older than the South Carolina average of 48 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in poor condition with a lowest component rating of 4 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 1,100 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,519 by 2043. The structure is 195 ft (59.4 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesS-42-197
CrossesSouth Tyger River
Location6.0 MI N Woodruff
RouteState Highway 197
Coordinates34.82243, -82.01327
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Poor

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, spalling or scour.
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 12 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating23.3 US tons
Inventory rating12.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeChannel Beam
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3 (+7 approach)
Design loadH 10
Structure length195 ft (59.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,100 (2023)
Projected traffic2,519 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$1 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-42-197 over South Tyger River built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-42-197 over South Tyger River in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in poor condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 4 or below, indicating advanced deterioration. Poor does not mean unsafe; such bridges are inspected more often and may carry load restrictions. The last reported inspection was in August 2024.

How much traffic does S-42-197 over South Tyger River carry?

About 1,100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is S-42-197 over South Tyger River?

The structure is 195 ft (59.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns S-42-197 over South Tyger River?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.