US Bridges

S-44-12 over Spears Creek Branch

Good

Union County, South Carolina · 8.6 MI NW Union · Structure no. 000000000001406

Built
1947
78 years old
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
550
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-44-12 over Spears Creek Branch is a concrete culvert carrying S-44-12 over Spears Creek Branch in Union County, South Carolina. It was built in 1947, so it is 78 years old, older 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 550 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 803 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long and 40 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-44-12
CrossesSpears Creek Branch
Location8.6 MI NW Union
RouteState Highway 12
CountyUnion County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.81011, -81.72305
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry3: Basically intolerable, requiring high priority of corrective action
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
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 spans2
Design loadH 15
Structure length21 ft (6.3 m)
Longest span11 ft (3.4 m)
Deck width40 ft (12.2 m)
Roadway width20 ft (6.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic550 (2023)
Projected traffic803 by 2043
Trucks13%
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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$110,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-44-12 over Spears Creek Branch built?

It was built in 1947, making it 78 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-44-12 over Spears Creek 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does S-44-12 over Spears Creek Branch carry?

About 550 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is S-44-12 over Spears Creek Branch?

The structure is 21 ft (6.3 m) long with a longest span of 11 ft (3.4 m) and a deck 40 ft wide.

Who owns S-44-12 over Spears Creek Branch?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.