US Bridges

S-45-197 over Laws Swamp

Fair

Williamsburg County, South Carolina · 3.0 MI NW Salters · Structure no. 000000000008114

Built
1987
38 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected August 2023
Type
Slab
Concrete
Length
75 ft
5 main spans
Daily traffic
375
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

S-45-197 over Laws Swamp is a concrete slab carrying S-45-197 over Laws Swamp in Williamsburg County, South Carolina. It was built in 1987, so it is 38 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 375 vehicles a day, roughly 15% of them trucks, projected to reach 521 by 2043. The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long and 33 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 3.7 mi (6 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesS-45-197
CrossesLaws Swamp
Location3.0 MI NW Salters
RouteState Highway 197
CountyWilliamsburg County
StateSouth Carolina
Coordinates33.51637, -79.88116
Functional classRural Minor 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
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 protection6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Last inspectionAugust 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 geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating43.2 US tons
Inventory rating25.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeSlab
MaterialConcrete
DeckConcrete, precast panels
Main spans5
Design loadH 15
Structure length75 ft (22.9 m)
Longest span15 ft (4.6 m)
Deck width33 ft (10.1 m)
Roadway width31 ft (9.6 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic375 (2023)
Projected traffic521 by 2043
Trucks15%
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 statusHistorical significance not determinable at this time
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was S-45-197 over Laws Swamp built?

It was built in 1987, making it 38 years old in 2025.

What condition is S-45-197 over Laws Swamp 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 August 2023.

How much traffic does S-45-197 over Laws Swamp carry?

About 375 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 15% are trucks.

How long is S-45-197 over Laws Swamp?

The structure is 75 ft (22.9 m) long with a longest span of 15 ft (4.6 m) and a deck 33 ft wide.

Who owns S-45-197 over Laws Swamp?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.