South Carolina Bridge Infrastructure: A Complete Analysis
A comprehensive look at South Carolina's bridge inventory, including condition grades, highest-traffic crossings, worst-rated structures, and oldest bridges.
South Carolina is home to 9,504 bridges spanning 46 counties, making it one of the most significant bridge inventories in the country. These bridges carry a combined 56,358,824 vehicle crossings every day. Here is a comprehensive look at the state of South Carolina's bridge infrastructure based on the latest National Bridge Inventory data.
9,504
Total Bridges
C
Infrastructure Grade
6.3%
Poor Condition
49 years
Average Age
South Carolina at a Glance
South Carolina earns an overall infrastructure grade of C based on the percentage of its bridges in poor condition. Currently, 602 bridges (6.3%) are rated poor, compared to the national average of 6.7%. The average bridge in South Carolina is 49 years old, older than the national average of 48 years.
Of the state's 9,504 bridges, 3,568 are in good condition, 5,334 are fair, and 602 are poor. View the full breakdown on the [South Carolina report card](/reports/south-carolina).
Most-Traveled Bridges in South Carolina
These are the bridges carrying the highest daily traffic volumes across South Carolina. High-traffic bridges are critical infrastructure -- their condition directly affects the commutes of tens of thousands of drivers.
Worst-Condition Bridges in South Carolina
The following bridges have the lowest sufficiency ratings in South Carolina. These structures are the most likely candidates for federal repair or replacement funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
| # | Bridge | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C-39-477 over TRIB ROCKY BOTTOM CREEK | 11.3 |
| 2 | SC 49/SC 215 CON over SOUTHERN RAILROAD | 11.8 |
| 3 | C-19-234 over BR TO CEDAR CREEK | 12.8 |
| 4 | C-30-548 over NORTH RABON CREEK | 14.7 |
| 5 | S-1426 over LONG BRANCH | 15.5 |
| 6 | C-30-532 over SOUTH RABON CREEK | 16.0 |
| 7 | C-36-787 over TRIB TO CANNONS CREEK | 16.0 |
| 8 | S-33-117 over LONG CANE CREEK | 16.1 |
| 9 | S-1-159 over JOHNS CREEK | 16.6 |
| 10 | S-2-180 over NORFOLK SOUTHERN | 16.6 |
Oldest Bridges in South Carolina
South Carolina's oldest bridges tell the story of the state's transportation history. Some of these structures have been in continuous service for over a century.
| # | Bridge | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | C-23-10 over REEDY RIVER | 53.4 |
| 2 | S-23-280 over TRIB TO REEDY RIVER | 54.8 |
| 3 | L-40-454 over BR OF CONGAREE RIVER | 64.4 |
| 4 | L-40-891 over ROCKY BRANCH | 62.3 |
| 5 | S-23-316 over HUFF CREEK | 53.9 |
| 6 | L-40-2027 over ROCKY BRANCH | 64.4 |
| 7 | C-42-787 over CSXT RR | 32.7 |
| 8 | US 25 over BEAVERDAM CK OVERFLOW | 62.7 |
| 9 | S-40-106 over VISTA GREENWAY | 55.5 |
| 10 | L-284 over VISTA GREENWAY | 65.3 |
What These Numbers Mean for South Carolina
South Carolina's bridge infrastructure grade of C reflects both the current condition of the state's bridges and the scale of the challenge ahead. With an average bridge age of 49 years, many of these structures are approaching or past the 50-75 year design life typical of most bridges. The state's ability to maintain and replace aging bridges will determine whether conditions improve or deteriorate in the coming decade.
For county-by-county breakdowns, historical trends, and individual bridge profiles, visit the [South Carolina state page](/bridges/south-carolina) or the [South Carolina report card](/reports/south-carolina). You can also explore how South Carolina compares to other states in our [state rankings](/blog/best-bridge-infrastructure-by-state-2025).
Data source: All data comes from the National Bridge Inventory maintained by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). BridgeStats is not affiliated with the U.S. government. Data is provided for informational purposes only.
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