US Bridges

Sc 527 over Birch Creek

Fair

Williamsburg County, South Carolina · At Warsaw · Structure no. 000000000001582

Built
1948
77 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
44 ft
4 main spans
Daily traffic
1,450
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

Sc 527 over Birch Creek is a concrete culvert carrying Sc 527 over Birch Creek in Williamsburg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1948, so it is 77 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 1,450 vehicles a day, roughly 13% of them trucks, projected to reach 2,117 by 2043. The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.1 mi (5 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesSc 527
CrossesBirch Creek
LocationAt Warsaw
RouteState Highway 527
CountyWilliamsburg County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.51017, -79.55826
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
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionApril 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 geometry5: Somewhat better than minimum adequacy to tolerate being left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating37.8 US tons
Inventory rating22.5 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans4
Design loadH 15
Structure length44 ft (13.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.4 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic1,450 (2023)
Projected traffic2,117 by 2043
Trucks13%
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was Sc 527 over Birch Creek built?

It was built in 1948, making it 77 years old in 2025.

What condition is Sc 527 over Birch 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 April 2023.

How much traffic does Sc 527 over Birch Creek carry?

About 1,450 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 13% are trucks.

How long is Sc 527 over Birch Creek?

The structure is 44 ft (13.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns Sc 527 over Birch Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.