US Bridges

S-44-23 over Fairforest Creek

Good

Union County, South Carolina · 5.1 MI W Union · Structure no. 000000000009374

Built
1998
27 years old
Condition
Good
inspected July 2023
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Steel
Length
480 ft
1 main span
Daily traffic
275
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-44-23 over Fairforest Creek is a steel stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying S-44-23 over Fairforest Creek in Union County, South Carolina. It was built in 1998, so it is 27 years old, younger than the South Carolina average of 48 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in good condition with a lowest component rating of 8 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 275 vehicles a day, roughly 5% of them trucks, projected to reach 402 by 2043. The structure is 480 ft (146.3 m) long and 37 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-44-23
CrossesFairforest Creek
Location5.1 MI W Union
RouteState Highway 23
CountyUnion County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates34.72826, -81.71313
Functional classRural Major Collector

Condition and inspection

Good

All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionJuly 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Deck geometry7: Better than present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Operating rating24.3 US tons
Inventory rating14.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeStringer/Multi-beam or Girder
MaterialSteel
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans1 (+7 approach)
Design loadHS 20
Structure length480 ft (146.3 m)
Longest span90 ft (27.4 m)
Deck width37 ft (11.3 m)
Roadway width33 ft (10.1 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic275 (2023)
Projected traffic402 by 2043
Trucks5%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed3.1 mi (5 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-44-23 over Fairforest Creek built?

It was built in 1998, making it 27 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-44-23 over Fairforest Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in good condition. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted. The last reported inspection was in July 2023.

How much traffic does S-44-23 over Fairforest Creek carry?

About 275 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 5% are trucks.

How long is S-44-23 over Fairforest Creek?

The structure is 480 ft (146.3 m) long with a longest span of 90 ft (27.4 m) and a deck 37 ft wide.

Who owns S-44-23 over Fairforest Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.