US Bridges

S-44-4 over Big Browns Creek

Fair

Union County, South Carolina · 4.1 MI N Union · Structure no. 000000000007041

Built
1977
48 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete
Length
135 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
1,050
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-44-4 over Big Browns Creek is a prestressed concrete stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S-44-4 over Big Browns Creek in Union County, South Carolina. It was built in 1977, so it is 48 years old, younger 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 5 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 1,050 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 1,533 by 2024. The structure is 135 ft (41.1 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.2 mi (2 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-44-4
CrossesBig Browns Creek
Location4.1 MI N Union
RouteState Highway 4
CountyUnion County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.77528, -81.6075
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
Deck5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Superstructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Substructure5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJuly 2024
Inspection intervalevery 12 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourScour critical; foundations unstable for calculated scour conditions
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being 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 rating42.9 US tons
Inventory rating25.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans2 (+5 approach)
Design loadH 15
Structure length135 ft (41.1 m)
Longest span30 ft (9.1 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,050 (2023)
Projected traffic1,533 by 2024
Trucks5%
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 proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$215,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-44-4 over Big Browns Creek built?

It was built in 1977, making it 48 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-44-4 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 July 2024.

How much traffic does S-44-4 over Big Browns Creek carry?

About 1,050 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is S-44-4 over Big Browns Creek?

The structure is 135 ft (41.1 m) long with a longest span of 30 ft (9.1 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns S-44-4 over Big Browns Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.