US Bridges

US 52 over Smith Swamp

Good

Williamsburg County, South Carolina · 1 MI S of Florence CO LN · Structure no. 000000000001904

Built
1952
73 years old, rebuilt 1970
Condition
Good
inspected June 2023
Type
Culvert
Concrete
Length
21 ft
2 main spans
Daily traffic
6,200
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

US 52 over Smith Swamp is a concrete culvert carrying US 52 over Smith Swamp in Williamsburg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1952 and reconstructed in 1970, so it is 73 years old, older 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 7 out of 9. All primary components (deck, superstructure, substructure, or culvert) are rated 7 or higher. No significant problems were noted.

It carries about 6,200 vehicles a day, roughly 12% of them trucks, projected to reach 10,788 by 2043. The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long and 99 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 1.9 mi (3 km).

CarriesUS 52
CrossesSmith Swamp
Location1 MI S of Florence CO LN
RouteU.S. Route 52
Coordinates33.82669, -79.77206
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Good

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

ComponentRatingMeaning
Channel and channel protection7 GoodSome minor problems.
Culvert7 GoodSome minor problems.
Last inspectionJune 2023
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation7: Better than present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating52.5 US tons
Inventory rating31.4 US tons

Structure

Structure typeCulvert
MaterialConcrete
DeckNot applicable
Main spans2
Design loadHS 15
Structure length21 ft (6.4 m)
Longest span10 ft (3 m)
Deck width99 ft (30.2 m)
Roadway width52 ft (15.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic6,200 (2023)
Projected traffic10,788 by 2043
Trucks12%
Lanes on structure4
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed1.9 mi (3 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedReplacement because of substandard load-carrying capacity or roadway geometry
Estimated improvement cost$239,000 (2024 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was US 52 over Smith Swamp built?

It was built in 1952, making it 73 years old in 2025. It was reconstructed in 1970.

What condition is US 52 over Smith Swamp 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 June 2023.

How much traffic does US 52 over Smith Swamp carry?

About 6,200 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 12% are trucks.

How long is US 52 over Smith Swamp?

The structure is 21 ft (6.4 m) long with a longest span of 10 ft (3 m) and a deck 99 ft wide.

Who owns US 52 over Smith Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.