US Bridges

Sc 49 over Shoals Creek

Fair

Union County, South Carolina · 3.2 MI SW of Union · Structure no. 000000000000581

Built
1931
94 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
40 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
3,200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sc 49 over Shoals Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Sc 49 over Shoals Creek in Union County, South Carolina. It was built in 1931, 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 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 3,200 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 5,088 by 2043. The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSc 49
CrossesShoals Creek
Location3.2 MI SW of Union
RouteState Highway 49
CountyUnion County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.68725, -81.67101
Functional classRural Minor Arterial

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 protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to 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 rating51.5 US tons
Inventory rating30.8 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans3
Design loadH 20
Structure length40 ft (12.2 m)
Longest span12 ft (3.7 m)
Deck width30 ft (9.1 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.8 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 proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sc 49 over Shoals Creek built?

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

What condition is Sc 49 over Shoals Creek 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does Sc 49 over Shoals Creek carry?

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

How long is Sc 49 over Shoals Creek?

The structure is 40 ft (12.2 m) long with a longest span of 12 ft (3.7 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Sc 49 over Shoals Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.