US Bridges

Sc 49 over Big Browns Creek

Fair

Union County, South Carolina · 3.9 MI NE of Union · Structure no. 000000000003132

Built
1959
66 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected June 2024
Type
Tee Beam
Concrete
Length
120 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
2,500
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sc 49 over Big Browns Creek is a concrete tee beam carrying Sc 49 over Big Browns Creek in Union County, South Carolina. It was built in 1959, so it is 66 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 2,500 vehicles a day, roughly 11% of them trucks, projected to reach 3,975 by 2043. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 30 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSc 49
CrossesBig Browns Creek
Location3.9 MI NE of Union
RouteState Highway 49
CountyUnion County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.7321, -81.56465
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
Deck6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionJune 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
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 rating38.3 US tons
Inventory rating29.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeTee Beam
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans4
Design loadHS 15
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width30 ft (9 m)
Roadway width28 ft (8.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic2,500 (2023)
Projected traffic3,975 by 2043
Trucks11%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 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 Big Browns Creek built?

It was built in 1959, making it 66 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sc 49 over Big Browns 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 Sc 49 over Big Browns Creek carry?

About 2,500 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 11% are trucks.

How long is Sc 49 over Big Browns Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 30 ft wide.

Who owns Sc 49 over Big Browns Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.