US Bridges

S-43-204 over Bluffhead Branch

Good

Sumter County, South Carolina · 5 MI NW of Sumter · Structure no. 000000000009283

Built
1997
28 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete Continuous
Length
79 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-43-204 over Bluffhead Branch is a concrete continuous slab carrying S-43-204 over Bluffhead Branch in Sumter County, South Carolina. It was built in 1997, so it is 28 years old, younger than the South Carolina average of 48 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 4,200 vehicles a day, roughly 4% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,250 by 2043. The structure is 79 ft (24.1 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-43-204
CrossesBluffhead Branch
Location5 MI NW of Sumter
RouteState Highway 204
CountySumter County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.94792, -80.42091
Functional classUrban Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating66 US tons
Inventory rating51 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 25 or greater
Structure length79 ft (24.1 m)
Longest span33 ft (10.1 m)
Deck width36 ft (11.1 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,200 (2023)
Projected traffic5,250 by 2043
Trucks4%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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-43-204 over Bluffhead Branch built?

It was built in 1997, making it 28 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-43-204 over Bluffhead Branch in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does S-43-204 over Bluffhead Branch carry?

About 4,200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 4% are trucks.

How long is S-43-204 over Bluffhead Branch?

The structure is 79 ft (24.1 m) long with a longest span of 33 ft (10.1 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns S-43-204 over Bluffhead Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.