US Bridges

Sc 53 over Pudding Swamp

Fair

Sumter County, South Carolina · 15 MI E of Sumter · Structure no. 000000000001572

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected February 2024
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
31 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
750
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sc 53 over Pudding Swamp is a concrete culvert carrying Sc 53 over Pudding 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 750 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,095 by 2043. The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSc 53
CrossesPudding Swamp
Location15 MI E of Sumter
RouteState Highway 53
CountySumter County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.96462, -80.05264
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 inspectionFebruary 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.5 US tons
Inventory rating26.1 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 15
Structure length31 ft (9.6 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.4 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic750 (2023)
Projected traffic1,095 by 2043
Trucks10%
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 Pudding Swamp built?

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

What condition is Sc 53 over Pudding 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 February 2024.

How much traffic does Sc 53 over Pudding Swamp carry?

About 750 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is Sc 53 over Pudding Swamp?

The structure is 31 ft (9.6 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Sc 53 over Pudding Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.