US Bridges

S-42-974 over Meadow Creek

PoorPosted for load

Spartanburg County, South Carolina · 3.0 MI SE Inman · Structure no. 000000000009753

Built
1960
65 years old
Condition
Poor
inspected August 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
75 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
2,700
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-42-974 over Meadow Creek is a concrete slab carrying S-42-974 over Meadow Creek in Spartanburg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1960, so it is 65 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 2,700 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,456 by 2043. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesS-42-974
CrossesMeadow Creek
Location3.0 MI SE Inman
RouteState Highway 974
Coordinates35.03391, -82.03502
Functional classUrban Local

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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
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 geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating21.8 US tons
Inventory rating13.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans5
Design loadH 10
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,700 (2023)
Projected traffic3,456 by 2043
Trucks5%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$464,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-42-974 over Meadow Creek built?

It was built in 1960, making it 65 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-42-974 over Meadow Creek 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-42-974 over Meadow Creek carry?

About 2,700 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is S-42-974 over Meadow Creek?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns S-42-974 over Meadow Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.