US Bridges

Sc 53 over Hope Swamp

Fair

Sumter County, South Carolina · 15 MI E of Sumter · Structure no. 000000000001571

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
32 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
850
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sc 53 over Hope Swamp is a concrete culvert carrying Sc 53 over Hope Swamp in Sumter County, South Carolina. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 850 vehicles a day, roughly 9% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,241 by 2043. The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

CarriesSc 53
CrossesHope Swamp
Location15 MI E of Sumter
RouteState Highway 53
Coordinates33.94022, -80.07694
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
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionMay 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating42.9 US tons
Inventory rating25.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length32 ft (9.7 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic850 (2023)
Projected traffic1,241 by 2043
Trucks9%
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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sc 53 over Hope Swamp built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sc 53 over Hope Swamp 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 May 2024.

How much traffic does Sc 53 over Hope Swamp carry?

About 850 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 9% are trucks.

How long is Sc 53 over Hope Swamp?

The structure is 32 ft (9.7 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Sc 53 over Hope Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.