US Bridges

S-44-18 over Padgetts Creek

Fair

Union County, South Carolina · 9.4 MI SW Union · Structure no. 000000000002269

Built
1955
70 years old, rebuilt 2024
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Girder and Floorbeam System
Steel
Length
48 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-44-18 over Padgetts Creek is a steel girder and floorbeam system carrying S-44-18 over Padgetts Creek in Union County, South Carolina. It was built in 1955 and reconstructed in 2024, so it is 70 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 200 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 292 by 2043. The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long and 31 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-44-18
CrossesPadgetts Creek
Location9.4 MI SW Union
RouteState Highway 18
CountyUnion County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.59041, -81.69058
Functional classRural Major Collector

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.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating58.5 US tons
Inventory rating45.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeGirder and Floorbeam System
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans1
Design loadH 15
Structure length48 ft (14.6 m)
Longest span48 ft (14.6 m)
Deck width31 ft (9.3 m)
Roadway width29 ft (8.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic200 (2023)
Projected traffic292 by 2043
Trucks15%
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$258,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-44-18 over Padgetts Creek built?

It was built in 1955, making it 70 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 2024.

What condition is S-44-18 over Padgetts 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 June 2024.

How much traffic does S-44-18 over Padgetts Creek carry?

About 200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is S-44-18 over Padgetts Creek?

The structure is 48 ft (14.6 m) long with a longest span of 48 ft (14.6 m) and a deck 31 ft wide.

Who owns S-44-18 over Padgetts Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.