US Bridges

Sc 49 over Fairforest Creek

PoorPosted for load

Union County, South Carolina · 4.3 MI SW of Union · Structure no. 000000000000580

Built
1931
94 years old, rebuilt 1964
Condition
Poor
inspected February 2025
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
375 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
3,200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sc 49 over Fairforest Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Sc 49 over Fairforest Creek in Union County, South Carolina. It was built in 1931 and reconstructed in 1964, so it is 94 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 3,200 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,088 by 2043. The structure is 375 ft (114.3 m) long and 36 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSc 49
CrossesFairforest Creek
Location4.3 MI SW of Union
RouteState Highway 49
CountyUnion County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.68188, -81.68634
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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.
Superstructure4 PoorAdvanced section loss, deterioration, 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 inspectionFebruary 2025
Inspection intervalevery 6 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation2: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of replacement
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 rating14.3 US tons
Inventory rating8.6 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadH 15
Structure length375 ft (114.3 m)
Longest span50 ft (15.2 m)
Deck width36 ft (11 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic3,200 (2023)
Projected traffic5,088 by 2043
Trucks11%
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 proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$2 million (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sc 49 over Fairforest Creek built?

It was built in 1931, making it 94 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1964.

What condition is Sc 49 over Fairforest 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 February 2025.

How much traffic does Sc 49 over Fairforest Creek carry?

About 3,200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Sc 49 over Fairforest Creek?

The structure is 375 ft (114.3 m) long with a longest span of 50 ft (15.2 m) and a deck 36 ft wide.

Who owns Sc 49 over Fairforest Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.