US Bridges

S-44-16 over Fairforest Creek

Fair

Union County, South Carolina · 5 MI S Union · Structure no. 000000000006383

Built
1973
52 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
300 ft
10 main spans
Daily traffic
125
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-44-16 over Fairforest Creek is a concrete slab carrying S-44-16 over Fairforest Creek in Union County, South Carolina. It was built in 1973, so it is 52 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 125 vehicles a day, roughly 6% of them trucks, projected to reach 183 by 2043. The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 6.8 mi (11 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-44-16
CrossesFairforest Creek
Location5 MI S Union
RouteState Highway 16
CountyUnion County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.64941, -81.66114
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.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating32.5 US tons
Inventory rating19.3 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans10
Design loadHS 15
Structure length300 ft (91.4 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.3 m)
Roadway width30 ft (9.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic125 (2023)
Projected traffic183 by 2043
Trucks6%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed6.8 mi (11 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-44-16 over Fairforest Creek built?

It was built in 1973, making it 52 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-44-16 over Fairforest 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 July 2023.

How much traffic does S-44-16 over Fairforest Creek carry?

About 125 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 6% are trucks.

How long is S-44-16 over Fairforest Creek?

The structure is 300 ft (91.4 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns S-44-16 over Fairforest Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.