US Bridges

S-44-389 over Big Brown CR

FairPosted for load

Union County, South Carolina · 5.5 MI SE Union · Structure no. 000000000005631

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
75 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
175
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-44-389 over Big Brown CR is a concrete slab carrying S-44-389 over Big Brown CR in Union County, South Carolina. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 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. Its operating status is: posted for load restriction.

It carries about 175 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 256 by 2043. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 28 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-44-389
CrossesBig Brown CR
Location5.5 MI SE Union
RouteState Highway 389
CountyUnion County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.695, -81.53
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.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusPosted for load restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating25.4 US tons
Inventory rating13.9 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans5
Design loadH 10
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width28 ft (8.4 m)
Roadway width26 ft (7.9 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic175 (2023)
Projected traffic256 by 2043
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.2 mi (2 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-44-389 over Big Brown CR built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-44-389 over Big Brown CR 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does S-44-389 over Big Brown CR carry?

About 175 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is S-44-389 over Big Brown CR?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 28 ft wide.

Who owns S-44-389 over Big Brown CR?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.