US Bridges

S-44-163 over Morris Creek

Fair

Union County, South Carolina · 5.3 MI S Union · Structure no. 000000000008799

Built
1994
31 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected July 2023
Type
Slab
Prestressed Concrete
Length
120 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
150
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-44-163 over Morris Creek is a prestressed concrete slab carrying S-44-163 over Morris Creek in Union County, South Carolina. It was built in 1994, so it is 31 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 150 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 192 by 2043. The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long and 39 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-44-163
CrossesMorris Creek
Location5.3 MI S Union
RouteState Highway 163
CountyUnion County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.63924, -81.62832
Functional classRural Local

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
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 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourUnknown foundation; not evaluated for scour
Structural evaluation5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy7: Better than present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment7: Better than present minimum criteria
Operating rating53.2 US tons
Inventory rating24.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialPrestressed Concrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20
Structure length120 ft (36.6 m)
Longest span40 ft (12.2 m)
Deck width39 ft (11.9 m)
Roadway width34 ft (10.5 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic150 (2023)
Projected traffic192 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.7 mi (6 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 proposedWidening with deck rehabilitation or replacement
Estimated improvement cost$42,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-44-163 over Morris Creek built?

It was built in 1994, making it 31 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-44-163 over Morris 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-44-163 over Morris Creek carry?

About 150 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is S-44-163 over Morris Creek?

The structure is 120 ft (36.6 m) long with a longest span of 40 ft (12.2 m) and a deck 39 ft wide.

Who owns S-44-163 over Morris Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.