US Bridges

S-43-290 over Cowpen Swamp No 1

Fair

Sumter County, South Carolina · 10 MI N of Sumter · Structure no. 000000000002628

Built
1957
68 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected May 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
28 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
100
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-43-290 over Cowpen Swamp No 1 is a concrete slab carrying S-43-290 over Cowpen Swamp No 1 in Sumter County, South Carolina. It was built in 1957, so it is 68 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 100 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 128 by 2043. The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long and 25 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-43-290
CrossesCowpen Swamp No 1
Location10 MI N of Sumter
RouteState Highway 290
CountySumter County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.07154, -80.32532
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionMay 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
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 rating36.4 US tons
Inventory rating21.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2
Design loadH 10
Structure length28 ft (8.5 m)
Longest span14 ft (4.3 m)
Deck width25 ft (7.7 m)
Roadway width23 ft (6.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic100 (2023)
Projected traffic128 by 2043
Trucks10%
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-43-290 over Cowpen Swamp No 1 built?

It was built in 1957, making it 68 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-43-290 over Cowpen Swamp No 1 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 2023.

How much traffic does S-43-290 over Cowpen Swamp No 1 carry?

About 100 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is S-43-290 over Cowpen Swamp No 1?

The structure is 28 ft (8.5 m) long with a longest span of 14 ft (4.3 m) and a deck 25 ft wide.

Who owns S-43-290 over Cowpen Swamp No 1?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.